By Isle of Wight Observer
by Nicholas Finney
The Ryde Chorus Summer Concert on Saturday included a range of ecletic light English choral music with lots to enjoy from a varied programme.
The choir’s supporter – talented pianist James Longford – introduced us to some rippling rainfall modernism with a John Adams piece entitled China Gates, a novel piece for many in the audience I suspect.
This was followed by four solo performances by members of the chorus, with their love of the individual choices shining through.
Avril Martin’s rendering of ‘My Ship’ by Kurt Weill was delightfully nostalgic and Karen Bridgeman’s interpretation of Chilcott’s arrangement of ‘All for the Love of One’ had a charming sweet clarity about it. Peter Savory’s lyrical interpretation of Ralph Vaughan William’s ‘Linden Lea’ was followed by the quiet reverence applied by David Flippance to a traditional Scottish melody, ‘O Waly, Waly’.
The two John Rutter choral pieces had a wonderful and beautiful harmonic balance between sections of the chorus, especially the unusual interpretation of ‘Amazing Grace’, which was no doubt enhanced by the splendid leadership of musical director, Jurgita Leistrumaite.
Following the interval we enjoyed a wide range of well-known and some more obscure renditions of popular melodies, with special mention going to the two pieces by Ola Gjelio, ‘The Rose’ and ‘The Ground’ which the chorus sang with real beauty and feeling.
All in all a concert in the best traditions of this splendid choir, and the audience doubtless will be looking forward to their Christmas concert on December 14.
Mal Butler