Singing in Norwalk
Norwalk is up the Connecticut coast north of New York and the members of Kingston Choral Society are all up here staying with members of Fairfield County Chorale.
Last night we staged a joint concert in the local Town Hall. It was just wonderful singing with so many voices and both choirs really enjoyed the experience.
With Fairfield County Chorale at Norwalk Concert Hall
(Thanks to Roger Ward for the photo)
Fairfield's Music Director, Johannes Somary, conducted us in a rarely performed work by Handel 'Laudate Pueri', which is a setting of Psalm 112. Once we heard the very demanding soprano solos we could fully understand why it is not performed much. Our soloist, Susanne Peck, was superb and negotiated the lengthy runs with great confidence.
It is, as you might imagine from the title, a joyous piece, but not easy. I think between us the joint choirs gave a creditable performance and I didn't make too many mistakes.
We were all on much more familiar ground with Mozart's Requiem, which is one of my favourites. Kingston's Music Director, Robin Page, conducted this work. It is a remarkably loud sing for a Requiem, but has some sublime moments, such as the Lacrimosa (which was heavily featured in the film Amadeus) and real spine-tingling endings.
It is such a privilege to be part of a performance of a great work like this.
Afterwards we all went off to a restaurant. It takes ages to come down after a concert, but a huge plate of ribs with a pleasant wine helped the process.
We've had a great time here with our hosts. They greeted us with a clambake on the beach. Fortunately it was held in a pavilion because a thunder storm lit the sky all round. We enjoyed clam chowder and freshly caught lobster.
This is beautiful New England country with pretty white clapboard buildings. I have been warmly welcomed by Pat and Joe Cappalonga into their beautiful and substantial home.
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