From the Ilkley Gazette 17th March 2005.

CHORAL SOCIETIES RISE TO THE OCCASION

Keiron Anderson reviews

Ilkley and Otley Choral Societies' Spring Concert at St. Margaret's Church, Ilkley

The impressive St. Margaret's Church in Ilkley was the venue for the Spring Concert given by The Ilkley and Otley Choral Societies which this year featured the music of two English composers, Hubert Parry and Edward Elgar.

The concert began with the announcement that due to extensive refurbishments to the church hall there would be no refreshments at the interval.

The programme provided the audience with enough refreshment to make up for this, opening with 'Blest Pair of Sirens' by Hubert Parry. Christopher Rathbone, appearing as guest conductor whilst Alan Horsey played the organ, coaxed a suitably rich sound from the nearly 100 strong choir. He kept control brilliantly whilst taking care to reach the dynamic peaks of the writing. The balance between the powerful organ and the singing was excellent showing the quality of Mr. Horsey's musicianship and technical skill.

There followed an organ solo 'Fantasia and Fugue in G' by Parry which Alan Horsey approached with virtuosity and sonic control, showing off both his ability and the colourful sounds of the organ. The lively but clear acoustic of the church allowed the detail to be heard whilst enhancing the power of the many pedal notes in Parry's music.

The first half continued with music by Edward Elgar and the singers, after taking a little time to warm up again after the organ works, produced well shaped and musical performances of the Psalms 29 and 48.

The second half consisted of one work, 'The Music Makers' by Elgar. It was a brave choice with complex polyphonic writing and chromatic harmony perhaps explaining why it is so seldom performed. The choir performed admirably in the traditions of British choral singing, only occasionally did the complexity of the writing cause clarity to elude them. The icing on the cake was the introduction of Kathryn Woodruff, the Alto soloist, who gave a wonderful lyrical performance.