A packed St Paul's Newcastle proved the BWS concert of 7th November a triumph over firework displays and "X-Factor". This choir has a deserved reputation, and this performance was no exception. Dynamics were well controlled and there was great attention to detail.
The home-grown soloists included Michael Redfern and Glyn Aubrey in Fauré's "Maria Mater Gratiae", and Lyn Murphy's pure voice suited the innocence of the "Pie Jesu" from the Fauré Requiem Mass. Fran Ambrose returned as baritone guest soloist in two charming songs by Mendelssohn, in addition to the Requiem.
Personally, I award "man of the match" to organist Tom Corfield, whose performance of Vierne's "Scherzetto" was assured and comic. His accompaniment of soloists and choir was at all times sensitive and supportive.
At the end of the performance, the sustained pin-drop silence before the final applause said it all: a sublime performance recognised by an appreciative and respectful audience.

Alison Macmillan