Helen Chadwick Group

MICHAEL DRAKE

> Hindolveston Village Hall

There are times when it adds excitement not to be quite sure what to expect. That was the case with these songs and stories from the Russian steppes set up by this highly entertaining group by Creative Arts East.

A custom from Georgia, of opening a bottle of wine and toasting virtually anything, seems of great import as solo, duet, trio or quartet Helen, Sian, Barbara and Matthew sang songs of the mountains and plains from near the Turkish border to the far east.

And with diversions to Bulgaria and Poland, the tales were delightfully told by Miss Chadwick from first hand experience and sung – many from her own arrangements or compositions.

Particularly poignant was the song of the Russian woman who spent years in prison for her writing and a work song, I am a Wanderer in an Unknown Landscape. The three-part harmony of “pearls” was quite exquisite with beautiful vocal balance. Church music too featured with a final subtlety coming from the four corners of the room. The surprise was well worth the expectancy and I shall know another time.

t The Helen Chadwick Group are at Whissonsett on November 26 and Welborne on November 27.