BREMF LIVE – Fairest Isle and Foulest Weather

Very much a night of two halves, the performers in the opening Purcell and Matthew Locke pieces perhaps needed warming up both literally and figuratively on a chilly evening. James Way’s resonant, well-accented tenor was enjoyable but the singing generally fell a little flat. The excerpts from Purcell’s King Arthur in the second half featured some truly beautiful moments however, such as soprano Penelope Appleyard’s smooth voice and excellent diction filling the hall during a Cupid verse. The BREMF Players were emotive and lyrical throughout, James Newby was a commendably theatrical, booming baritone and Angela Hicks’ fluttering, mellifluous soprano made for a superb Venus.

All Saints Church, 6 November 2016

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