Last Saturday (7 July) saw the sun shining for Tyndale Choral Society’s summer concert held at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin Wotton‑under‑Edge and dedicated to the late Judith Taylor.

The choir presented an interesting and varied programme comprising Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music, Five Negro Spirituals from Michael Tippett’s A Child of our Time, two Irish ballads and the rarely performed Phaudrig Crohoore by Charles Villiers Stanford. The concert was conducted by Ian Harrold, ably assisted by accompanist Christopher Boodle, who also performed his own composition Jazz‑Fantasy on an American Spiritual on the organ.

The choir started a little uncertainly in the Serenade to Music but got into their stride in the Five Negro Spirituals, which also featured soloists Ruth Fitter (soprano), Lisa Randell (alto), John Ewer (tenor) and Geoffrey Whiley (bass). There was some confident unaccompanied singing and the choir clearly enjoyed itself.

The high standard continued after the interval with the Irish ballads The Rose of Tralee and Danny Boy, both of which contained some sensitive singing from all the sections. The major work of the second half, Phaudrig Crohoore, was clearly much enjoyed by the choir who performed it with great spirit and musicianship, assisted by some excellent playing by Christopher Boodle.

To complete a highly enjoyable evening, the choir gave a polished rendition of Rhythm of Life, which was thoroughly appreciated by the audience.

After the concert a collection was taken for the Cotswold Care Hospice.

Jenny Cobb
8 July 2007

In addition to the above critique, Jenny has given us her detailed notes (but, as they are not for general publication, you will need the ‘society password’ if you follow the link).