Oldham Choral Society’s performance of Mozart’s Requiem and Gounod’s Messe Solennelle de Sainte-Cecile at the Royal Northern College of Music on Sunday was an outstanding triumph.The seldom-heard Gounod Mass attracted listeners from as far as Coventry and was well worth the journey.

Under the expressive hands and directive fingers of Conductor Nigel P. Wilkinson the Oldham Choral Society and the East Lancashire Sinfonia melded effortlessly together to produce a memorable performance of both works.

Never have the Choral Society sounded better. Their new weekly rehearsal space in the ballroom of Chadderton Town Hall has given them ‘room to breathe’, and ensured a top-notch concert performance was on the cards with a high standard of choral singing.

Soloists Gail Pearson (Soprano), Natasha Best (Mezzo), Nick Sales (Tenor) and Dean Robinson (Bass) enhanced the performances with quartet singing in Mozart’s Requiem and with individual solos in Gounod’s Mass, a joyous affirmation of faith dedicated to the Patron Saint of Music St. Cecilia.

In a week when the country had its first Ceremonial Funeral for 48 years it seems fitting that Mozart’s Requiem was presented with a zeal, energy and verve that would have been equally at home in St Paul’s Cathedral.

Sadly Mozart died before the Requiem was completed but the Oldham Choral Society kept this magnificent rendition of it powerfully alive to the very last note. A wonderful performance.

Oldham Choral Society sing again on 23rd June at Middleton Arena when they present Merrie England and The Arcadians and on 27th October 2013 at the RNCM for Verdi’s Requiem.

For details of performances or to join the Society, which rehearses on Monday nights, contact Chairman Fred Jones 0161 205 4638

SF