As one reviewer put it: “The massed choirs responded to Wright’s dynamism with blistering needle point attack, whether as Souls in Purgatory, Anglicals, or the ferocious chorus of Demons. Praise to the Holiest In the Height burst into an incandescent cry of exultation from choirs and orchestra, beefed up by the sonorities of the Town Hall’s mighty organ played by Darius Battiwalla”

Audience members commented that the “Praise” brought tingles and joy.  Well done Joe to lead us to this wonderful concert at the end of your first year.

DVOŘÁK’s STABAT MATER on Saturday (16th March). Despite the tremendous sadness that inspired the work, it is a truly glorious piece to sing. The audience was a bit reduced due to the appalling weather but those that came certainly enjoyed the music.

David Hill’s pacing and dynamic shading allowed this epic work to unfold in luminous orchestral and vocal detail. Balancing between the seventy members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the organ, Leeds Philharmonic Chorus and St Peter’s Singers – “140 voices singing with consoling warmth and supple power”.  Joe’s effort with the rehearsals all paid off.

As one reviewer said “all contributed to a performance of powerful emotional impact”.

I hope everyone managed to get home – roads and train lines were flooded out to the Ilkley area.