Ware Operatic Society

Affiliated to  the National Operatic and  Dramatic Association

                      

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Review

I was delighted to be invited to Ware Operatic’s 40th Anniversary Concert. I had had the pleasure of attending many of their musicals but the concert was a first. I was not disappointed. 

The evening began with the courtiers and townsfolk singing Long Live Elizabeth from Merry England and what a chorus it was. The hall reverberated again and again with the perfect harmonies of this well rehearsed choral group of some fifty one performers. 

Following the opening Malcolm Dorling (MD) explained in his own personal style, just how the evening would run and why various pieces had been selected. This was not a night for soloist after soloist to stand up and sing their party piece; this was a celebration of music performed in the past and then possibly in the future. 

The programme had something for all tastes, from Lehar to Gilbert and Sullivan and Verdi to Cole Porter. I particularly enjoyed Mick Wilson singing Bui Doi from Miss Saigon and Hugh Legg and Sara Grimshaw singing from La Traviata. However, for me, the piece that showed this society at its best was a choral arrangement of the solo anthem from Chess. This was exceptional and quite moving. 

I had a wonderful evening and I congratulate the society on an anniversary event to be proud of. Special mention should go to Barbara Manning, the pianist. Her thoughtful and sensitive accompaniment complemented the performers at all times and not once did I feel that I was listening to the piano and not the artist. Bravo! 

Vicki Avery

And click here to go to the review in the Hertfordshire Mercury.  You will need to navigate to page 65 (page 34 of the supplement).

The Mercury review of our last show can be accessed by clicking here and making your way to page 71 (page 39 of the supplement).