Review written for the Westmorland Gazette by Michael Stocks
"Last Saturday, 26th June,
the ‘Voices Raised’ project culminated in a brilliant performance
of Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ at the Kendal Leisure
Centre. From the shattering sound of the bass drum and choir at the
beginning to the very last note of the piece it was a truly memorable
performance and deserved the audience’s standing ovation.
"The ‘Voices Raised’ project, devised by the Cumbria Choral
Initiative and the Brewery Arts Centre, is an admirable example of innovative
thinking and commitment. The Cumbria Choral Initiative is an excellent programme
designed to encourage young people to enjoy choral singing as a life-long activity.
Starting last October, ‘Voices Raised’ has taken the form of monthly
workshops for young singers, working at the Brewery with national experts in
a range of choral styles which have included Barbershop, Folk, Gospel and Music
Theatre.
"For ‘Carmina Burana’ young singers from the area were joined
by the New Millennium Chorus and the Cumbria Youth Orchestra. The soloists,
Elizabeth Traill, Simon Morgan and Gabriel Gottlieb, largely overcame the acoustic
limitations of the hall, enjoying the considerable vocal demands of their respective
parts. Ian Jones, whose name (with typical modesty) did not appear on the programme,
was chorus master, Ben Parry was a masterful conductor. He made full use of
the commitment, discipline and range of skill of his performers, his every
gesture supporting and encouraging them in what is, vocally and rhythmically,
a demanding work. He gave all of them the confidence to exceed their
own expectations and, consequently, those of a spellbound audience. The future
of our cultural life lies within our young people and depends upon splendid
initiatives such as this."
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