North Norfolk Chorale

One could be forgiven for thinking that instead of being at a choral and orchestral concert in St Nicholas' Church, North Walsham, one was at the Royal Albert Hall listening to the London Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Chorus.

One could be forgiven for thinking that instead of being at a choral and orchestral concert in St Nicholas' Church, North Walsham, one was at the Royal Albert Hall listening to the London Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Chorus.

The audience was the largest to have attended any present-ation in the 10-year music and drama series of concerts.

The North Walsham-based North Norfolk Chorale of more than 40 members, under its excellent conductor Rosemary Kimmins, gave a powerful rendering of Haydn's Creation, accompanied by a guest orchestra of 22 led by Jane Foottit. It was heartening to see quite a few young musicians. David Harris, who is the rehearsal accompanist, played continuo organ.

The soloists were bass Gavin Horsley, 25, a former pupil at Gresham's School, Holt, who graduated from the Royal College of Music, together with musical friends Charlotte Mobbs, 27, with a bell-like soprano voice, and Kevin Kyle, 25, currently studying at the Royal College of Music.

Haydn's Oratorio tells of the creation and Gavin sang the recitative “In the beginning”. Gradually it works its way to “The heavens are telling”, with chorus, soloists, orchestra and organ finalising the first part.

The second-part items mention God's creation of water and mammals. The silvery tones of Kevin's tenor voice shone out in the arias “Now vanish before the holy beams” and “In native worth and honour clad”.

In part three, it tells of the creation of Adam and Eve.

A duet “By thee with bliss” was outstandingly performed by Gavin and Charlotte.

The final chorus with soloists was Sing the Lord, ye voices all, which raised the roof to tumultuous applause.