Waverley Singers

Waverley Singers' St Matthew Passion

The following review by ‘TMS’ was published on 20 April 1984.

On Good Friday evening, a large congregation enjoyed an excellent performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion, given by the Waverley Singers at St Andrew's Garrison Church, Aldershot. They were assisted by the Farnborough Ripieno Choir, excellent soloists, and accompanied by the Tilford Bach Orchestra. The standard of the whole performance was extremely high, and the conductor, Malcolm Hicks, is to be congratulated. He did not allow the performance to sag at all, and his brisk tempi and quick follow-on helped to keep the narrative flowing and the attention and the atmosphere from losing their intensity.

There are not many amateur choirs who could attempt this large-scale work in German and produce half a dozen soloists to take the small recit parts as well. These were more than adequately performed, and each made a contribution to the whole. The choral singing, except for one poor entry, was confident and well balanced. The attack was good, and the parts and double choir were clearly defined. I could have wished for some really quiet singing now and again, particularly in some of the chorales. The acoustics of the church were so good that this would have been perfectly possible. The Ripieno Choir was somewhat buried. This was unfortunate but unavoidable.

Of the soloists, David Johnston brought his excellent German, great experience, and interpretive skill to bear in the role of the evangelist. His strong voice carried easily, and he showed flexibility and great variety of tone. Peter Savidge, Christus, from where I was sitting, was not quite as convincing as I have heard him. His voice has a lovely quality, and he has exactly the right approach to the part, but the lower range of his voice seemed to lack body.

The contralto, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, brought great commitment and feeling to her singing. Her rich, creamy voice sounded quite effortless in her exacting arias. She was a joy to listen to. The soprano, Sarah Leonard, showed good vocal control and musical skill, and on the whole her voice was pure and clear. Some of her high notes, however, need more warmth and are inclined to have an edge on them.

The professional orchestra played beautifully throughout, and all the solo parts were handled with extreme skill. In particular, perhaps I could mention the two leaders, Andrew Laing and Susan Kinnersley. The organ continuo, Murray Stewart, and the ‘cellist Shuna Wilson also played with distinction.

I have not heard a performance of the St Matthew Passion for some time and must say that the beauty of the music and the lovely setting were most impressive. In these circumstances, it is difficult to be objective. I enjoyed it all so much and feel that all concerned are to be warmly congratulated.