King Edward Musical Society (KEMS)

KEMS


		Concerts reviews Read what our audience and players thought

		27th April 2012 SMETANA Overture: The Bartered Bride ELGAR Scenes from the Bavarian Alps ORFF Carmina Burana KEMS Choir and KEMS Orchestra, conducted by Ian Chesworth Janet Fischer (soprano) Jeffrey Lawton (tenor) Richard Strivens (baritone)

		I thought KEMS performance of Carmina Burana was absolutely fantastic. I have a recording and a video of it but this was the first time I've heard it live! Audience member The performance was excellent. We didn't know we had such talent in Macclesfield. Audience member


Really enjoyed the concert on Sat. The programme was well chosen and there were excellent performances from choir, soloists and orchestra. It's just such a shame not to be able to see the orchestra as they are on the same level as the audience. Audience member Would like to thank you and the whole of the Society for the excellence of last Saturday ’s concert. All three of us thoroughly enjoyed it. What a lot of preparation you must have had to put into it. And to find one of the best tenors in the country attending to sing that remarkable “Song of the Roasted Swan”! Renewed thanks and congratulations to KEMS. Group of audience members Special commendation must be given to the fine wind playing and the special effects from the augmented percussion section. Ian Chesworth conducted the concert and Tony Houghton rehearsed the orchestra. Congratulations to all. The audience was most appreciative and responsive especially to the Carl Orff. Player, first violins Carmina Burana requires lots of energy from choir, orchestra and soloists and I feel we all rose to the occasion in front of a large audience. What an achievement! It was difficult in places, but sounded good, and the audience seemed to like it. I thought the programme was well planned, and the orchestra and choir responded well to Ian's enthusiastic and energetic conducting. Player, second violins
	The Bartered Bride is a challenging piece – orchestra took it at a pace which held it together. The sound and overall determination made the piece, an enjoyable performance. The Elgar – this started to blossom in terms of the performance – although Orchestra and Choir and piano were texturally different – they flowed. Personally, I went into Carmina with slight trepidation. The moment I heard the total weight and sound of the Orchestra I knew we were up for it! The big choruses sounded sublime – we could have done with a bigger venue to let the sound spread. The Coro Piccolo gave a very polished performance – a nice balance sitting between them and the orchestra. The vocal soloists were stunning, and so were the many parts of the orchestra who were in the spotlight. It was a strenuous piece requiring more concentration than all of the major works I have sung – the sea of sound was amazing – I have to say Ian did not forget anything from sits and stands, to bringing in all parts choir and orchestra and making sure we shut up at the right place. Amazing attention to detail and very clear and creative conducting. Choir member I had not sung, nor been a member of KEMS for several years. The performance on Saturday Evening showed that the choir has thrived without me! The sheer musicality of the performance, the delightful balance between singers and instruments, the power of soloists and percussion, and the outstanding entertainment and performance given to a packed audience in St Michaels was a pleasure. Each piece was both stretching and complex. The performers made it look easy. Well done. Please can I come back! Former choir member I am not a particularly Carmina Burana lover but under Ian Chesworth's expert conducting it became a real spirit lifter. The orchestra was in fine form throughout and the Choir very much on their toes. We had three superb soloists too and Janet Fisher (Soprano) top B had to be heard to be believed. We all came to of the Church with big smiles on our faces! Choir member