All Night Vigil – Brighton Consort, Katie Thomas (director)

Rachmaninov’s ‘Vespers’ are difficult, especially when sung in Russian. The mood of these songs changes frequently, from folksy celebrations to sustained and mystic chant. Brighton Consort had clearly done its homework, because all eyes were on the conductor. They responded smoothly to each subtle change of dynamic and tempo as Katie Thomas wrung every last gasp of emotion from this passionate music.

She was greatly helped by two colleagues from the Monteverdi Choir, the sumptuously rich contralto of Kate Symonds-Joy and David de Winter’s clarion tenor, so poignant in the Song of Simeon and in two beautiful extended solo chants.

St Paul’s Church, 22 November 2015
Rating:
Andrew Connal