REVIEW: The highlight was undoubtedly the ‘Laudate Dominum’ in which the sheer beauty of the composition was enhanced by exquisite tone, timing, cohesion, control and balance.

Ely Choral Society filled Ely Cathedral with some powerful music in their concert featuring Mozart’s Requiem.

Conductor Andrew Parnell brought this huge choir, expert orchestra and a fine group of soloists together to create a potent effect in their performance. He had no difficulty in drawing out some very effective contrasts and expression from this massive group of performers and was invariably aware of the musical effect in maintaining a vibrant, energizing pace.

The Ely Festival orchestra, led by Helen Medlock, and Edmund Aldhouse (organ) gave excellent support for this compelling choir and the soloists, Daisy Brown (soprano), Katie Schofield (mezzo soprano), Oliver Johnston (tenor), and Henry Neill (bass) were first rate.

The concert opened with ‘Vesperae Solennes de Confessore’ by Mozart in which the enthusiasm and personal involvement of the singers in the choir immediately became apparent.

The highlight of this work was undoubtedly the ‘Laudate Dominum’ in which the sheer beauty of the composition was enhanced by exquisite tone, timing, cohesion, control and balance.

Mozart’s appealing sense of joy was reflected in the performance of the ‘Requiem’ while at the same time, its moments of reflection, excitement and darkness were coloured magnificently.

Andrew’s astute timing brought this familiar work alive and the sizeable audience were soon caught up in the radiant atmosphere this wonderful performance created.

The next performance to enjoy will be on Saturday July 12 when Ely Choral Society will perform a concert version of Bizet’s Carmen.