Hemyock

John Rutter's "Requiem" is perhaps not the easiest of works to perform.

But Hemyock Singers did it great justice.

The large number of people who attended their Easter concert at St Mary's church, Hemyock were so moved that quite a few seconds elapsed before the church was filled with long and warm applause.

A retiring collection in aid if St Margarets Hospice raised £320.

The concert began with a new anthem which had been composed by member Bob Brien of Clayhidon.

The Singers gave an excellent performance of this short, but very moving work which led a member of the audience to comment that it was hoped Mr Briens work could be heard by a wider audience, perhaps even being aired by the BBC.

Well known local soprano Jenny Doble performed extremely well in the Rutter and her rendition of 'Pie Jesus' was one of the highlights of the concert.

The choir, conducted by Ron White, were accompanied throughout the performance by the extremely competent organist Nigel Atkinson.

Brendon Morgan played cello for the chorus 'Out of the Deep' with Rachel Sprague accompanying 'The Lord Is My Shepherd' on oboe which was especially moving.

There are without doubt some very beautiful and moving parts to this work and these in particular were extremely well performed by the choir - the opening chorus 'Reuqiem aeternum' with its double pianissimo opening by the men of the chorus; 'Agnus Dei' and in particular the last section of 'Lux aeterna'.

The sopranos must be congratulated for their opening attack of 'Sanctus' and the entire choir sang this with great feeling to give a stirring performance Hemyock Singers have for over 30 years been performing both choral works and stage shows. Throughout that time they have enjoyed the talent and companionship of Alan Bell who died very recently.

This concert and the one preformed the previous evening at Uffculme parish church were dedicated to his memory.