Together in perfect harmony | Plymouth Philharmonic Choir
The sheer delight of the audience at Plymouth Philharmonic Choir’s performance of Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and Rossini’s Stabat Mater was clearly evident from the standing ovation led by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Mark Shayer and Lady Mayoress, Mrs Samantha Shayer.
Sublime, dramatic, exciting
Over 100 choir members sung the many thousands of notes in perfect harmony, transforming the printed symbols from the page to convey the full spectrum of emotions from the wonderful opera infused music with sublime melodies, hushed passages, dramatic crescendos, exciting tempi and magnificent fugues. Hard work, commitment and trust underpinned the performance in order that everything gelled and came together superbly.
It was the sense of working together that was evident on the night from the Lord Mayor stepping in to hold the ladder steady for the photographer, to the warm congratulations from the other soloists offered to Stephen Jeffes who stood in with 24 hours’ notice to sing the very demanding Tenor part.
Effortless
Soprano Catherine Hamilton’s performance was a masterclass in effortlessly soaring to the top notes and dancing through complex runs. It was a delight to listen to the excellent performances given by Mezzo-soprano Kate Symonds-Joy and Baritone James Cleverton.
Respect and admiration
Masterminding the concert and realising his vision for the performance was Director of Music, Christopher Fletcher; a man with nerves of steel, as the first time all the musicians came together was in the afternoon of the concert. He expended more energy than any runner will do in the forthcoming Plymouth Half Marathon.
The amount of respect and admiration that he is held in by the choir and music community was clearly evident. He continues to set the bar very high for what at times is hard to believe is only an amateur, non-auditioned choir, but under his leadership is producing first class results.
Rehearsals for the next concert start with an Open Evening on Thursday 11 April at the Meade King Hall, Plymouth College.
If you are interested in joining the choir please contact the Membership Secretary, Pat Brodie (01752 330337 pat.brodie@outlook.com). Details about the choir’s next concert, on Saturday 22 June are available on the choir’s website (plymouthphilchoir.org) and tickets are available at wegottickets.com/event/596024
Top image: Plymouth Philharmonic Choir, Orchestra, Soloists and Conductor Christopher Fletcher
- Harmony and flair | polymath pianist Daniele Rinaldo - October 13, 2026
- Singing Day from Plymouth Philharmonic Choir takes on vibrant and energetic work - August 26, 2026
- Jimmy Pinch | from Spielberg and Saint Etienne to a deeply personal new album - August 5, 2026
Discover more from ArtsCulture
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
