Haydn's " Creation" 19th November 2011 at The Minster Church, Ilminster

The big society and the community of Ilminster were very much in evidence at a packed St Mary’s church last Saturday for a performance of Haydn’s Creation given by the South Somerset Choral Society conducted by Tim Donaldson.  In a reduced scoring for chamber orchestra, the scale of the performance was perfectly judged for the venue.  In contrast, the serried ranks of the choir were more than adequate for the big choral numbers when the vocal power needed to be turned up a notch or two. 

Three young soloists made up the ensemble.  Soprano Penelope Appleyard sang expressively and with a gloriously pure tone.  Mitesh Khatri sang the tenor part with confidence and the Malaysian bass-baritone Chi Hoe-Mak was particularly impressive in dealing with the high tessitura of his part.  Strangely, because you don’t hear it too often these days, both men sang in an open ‘natural’ voice displaying a not unpleasant fast vibrato.  All three soloists sang with exemplary diction.  The choir were assured throughout although this reviewer would have liked more attack from the tenors and basses.  The pianissimo choral singing in part three of the work was very beautiful and well-balanced.  The big final chorus was thrilling to hear.  

The reduced scoring, no doubt necessitated by limits on budget and space, exposed the ensemble playing and every instrumental part to scrutiny.   There were a couple of ragged orchestral recitatives and the organ continuo was so quiet as to be barely present.  The opening of the work was not really that mysterious but once things got underway all was well and the orchestra supported the arias and choruses very well.  Conductor Tim Donaldson kept the tempo going throughout and at no time did things drag and become tedious - a real danger in oratorio.  With Christmas approaching, the festive lights outside in the street, a packed church and some glorious music made by local people, there was a real sense of whatever else was wrong in the world, there is still much to celebrate.  

Wayne Bennett

In addition to Wayne's review above we have also received the following from Mitesh Khatri

"It's always been a pleasure singing for you, and I'm very grateful that you keep asking me back!

My first concert with you was my first ever professional engagement, and I remember it with much affection. You looked after us so well and made me, as a complete beginner, feel very welcome and comfortable. As I've gained more experience I've come to realise how good you are as a choir, and how individual enthusiasm and ability is taking you from strength to strength. I hope you continue to have the success you so clearly deserve.

I thoroughly enjoy singing with you, it's a privilege, and I hope to see you again soon"

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