East of England Singers, New Classical Players | Bach: Christmas Oratorio

Angela Kay (Conductor)
St. Peter's Church, Ruddington
Saturday 2 December 2006

Elements Brought Out In Fine Fashion

Bach's six-part Christmas Oratorio tells the Biblical story with a powerful mixture of resounding joy and inward reflection, inviting listeners to make their own connection with the narrative. Both elements were brought out with great care by the East of England Singers and the New Classical Players, conducted by Angela Kay.

Everything about this rare performance of all six sections together showed attention to detail and a concern to convey the spirit of the work. The musicianship was excellent and in the fine acoustics of the church the joyful outpouring of trumpets and timpani was stirring. The performance was unhurried, leaving space for reflection; between sections, the lighting of candles, progressively illuminating the church, symbolised the Oratorio's message of hope.

Richard Roddis as the Evangelist combined superb vocal quality with sensitivity to nuances of meaning. Late stand-in Roy Rashbrook gave a good account of the tenor role. Kay Smith sang the contralto solo with great beauty and Debbie Bennett (soprano) communicated strongly the emotional depths. Philip Shakesby was an excellent bass.