Review of Battle Choral Society's autumn charity concert

For the second time this year Battle Choral Society welcomed us to St Mary’s Church for their Autumn Free concert, their second under the baton and direction of Vincent Wade.

The Dean of Battle, Revd. Lee Duckett, President of the Society, gave a brief introduction and prayer for all who are caught up in conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, which set the scene for this somewhat sombre programme, but provided renewed hope for a more peaceful future..

First ‘The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace’. Composed in 2000, it is a selection of historic prose and poetry set into the form of a Catholic Mass depicting the reality of war and our hope for future peace. From the opening staccato drum beat the soloists and choir captured the desolation of war, and the raw depictions of horror from the texts. Helen Walker’s (alto) soul searching rendition of ‘Torches’ from the Mahabarata (6th century BC ) touched our souls, bringing us face to face with the fire , death and destruction of war. But then the work concludes in hope, with the serene ‘Benedictus’ (accompanied by cello soloist Anita Strevens) and ‘Better is Peace’ (trumpet soloists Andy & Evan Gill), becoming a Hymn for Peace.

In contrast the second half was Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, a reflective journey from the sorrows of earthly life to the tranquillity of heavenly peace. The beautifully resonant Pie Jesu was sung by Grace Constable (soprano), followed by the more robust Libera Me led by Gary Marriott (tenor). The ethereal quality of the work was epitomised as the choir finished with In Paridisum and ‘May you have eternal rest’.

Once again, the choir reached out to the audience, who were fully engaged in the emotions of this performance, demonstrating their empathy and flexibility under Vincent’s direction, ably supported by Nigel Howard (organ) and Duncan Reid (multitasking at the piano).

The audience of more than 100 showed their enthusiastic appreciation with generous donations to the three charities, the Mayor’s charity Demelza, St Mary’s Church, and Battle Choral Society.

Please do join the choir at St Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival on 25 November at 16:00, and for excerpts from The Christmas Oratorio by J S Bach on 16 December at 19.30, which is also a free concert with donations invited in aid of the Choir charities.

For further information please contact Christine Smith on 07900 606758.