When I heard that the Selly Park Singers were attempting to sing Vivaldi’s celebrated ‘The Four Seasons’, I was initially sceptical! How could they pull this off without a violin in sight?
From the opening notes….to the last haunting words, ‘A Time of Peace’, I was captivated.
What the audience was treated to in a Bournville church on 14th June was something altogether different and yet equally charming. From the opening notes on the accompanying organ (played by the talented Thomas Howell) to the last haunting words, ‘A Time of Peace’, I was captivated.
Joanna Forbes L’Estrange has done an amazing job of sourcing poems, hymn texts and Bible passages, creating a perfect blend of joy, reverence and even fun! It was clear that the choir loved singing ‘A Season to Sing’ as much as we enjoyed listening – it was written all over their faces.
Some of the highlights for me were: the crescendo of whistling birds during Spring; the recreation of a summer storm using body percussion; and the adaptation of one of the Italian sonnets that Vivaldi, himself, used as inspiration. I also loved the way the seasons were ‘bookended’ with, ‘To every thing there is a season’ words which I now know came from Ecclesiastes and not The Byrds!
The decision to accompany this choral work with organ was inspired, as was the idea of performing in the stunning St Francis’ Church. The acoustics were amazing, at times giving me goose bumps. I hope to hear more Selly Park Singing in such venues in the future.
All-in-all, this was another huge success for this talented choir, expertly led by director, Paul Carr. I wait, with anticipation, to see what they challenge themselves with next…
Ann Day
