Academy Choir Wimbledon

Howard Phillips

The Academy Choir, orchestra and soloists gave a stunningly good concert of Handel's Saul at St John's, Spencer Hill yesterday evening. Starting at 7pm for such a long oratorio, very slightly shortened, all elements of a successful and moving performance were at their peak. All of the soloists sang with drama and wonderful tone; it would be invidious to single out any because, uniquely in my experience, every one was superb. The orchestra were exquisite and delightfully musical and had many additions to the expected range: brass, woodwind and keyboards, which included a carillon. The choir were articulate, accurate and showed a great range of energy, mood and tone; they sang with a balance and ensemble that few choirs achieve. Matthew Best did what only the best conductors can do: kept impeccable order and inspired great energy and expression beyond the levels that the musicians expect to reach. The acoustic of St John's does not seem to me to be the easiest to sing in and appears to depend on placing. The possible placements of instrumentalists and singers were arranged imaginatively and effectively, with the soloists able to interact dramatically and the High Priest exhorting from the pulpit. Much of Handel's music is jolly, bouncy and great to sing. However, in the final scene the funeral march and solos are written with a pathos and sensitivity, and were performed with control of tempi and pianissimo singing, that moved the audience profoundly and brought a thoroughly deserved standing ovation. The worldwide medical context for this performance - that cannot have been foreseen - may have added a special significance to this performance. I do hope that someone recorded it. Anyway, it will live in the memory of all who were privileged to be here.

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