was
given – both times! – but Mr Meakins’ own
cadenzas were our favourites!
After a short interval we were into business. We
had worked with Signor Balsadonna in two
rehearsals in the week leading up to the
concert, so we had a clear understanding of the
passion he had for the text and music alike. We
did well: Sr. Balsadonna wrote in an e-mail to
us after the concert:
 |
I am very pleased
the audience enjoyed it, more important that we have
been able to convey a message through the performance. |
 |
|
The
audience were clearly very moved by the concert,
and stunned by the force of our first entry in
Rex tremendae and by the stillness we
brought to the intimate moments – Lacrimosa
was a highlight, as was the singing of the
soloists in the Benedictus. Sr.
Balsadonna went on to write:
 |
I want to say how
much I appreciated the commitment and the passionate
engagement of the chorus. I really felt they took with
the greatest seriousness everything I have asked and
they delivered with an amazing energy , togetherness and
conviction. I was impressed and moved! |
 |
|
This
is the fourth concert the Choirs have given with
the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (two Christmas
spectaculars, a performance of Fauré’s
Requiem with Owain Arwel Hughes, and last
night’s Mozart) … we wonder what will be on the
cards next? Not only are the Boys looking
forward to the next concert, but the next
opportunity for a pizza dinner – our 36 singers
demolished no fewer than 26 large pizzas!!! |