I am so privileged to work with fantastic choral artists in all sorts of settings and with all sorts of repertoire. Last night saw City of Canterbury Chamber Choir at Holy Trinity Folkestone performing the Requiems of Duruflé and Fauré. What joy, sublime singing and a true masterclass in what 'amateur' choirs can be. The level of commitment these singers offer to a project choir with limited rehearsal is second to none. We work fast and we work hard with a few 3.5 hour rehearsals and a gruelling concert day alongside personal learning of the dots and huge experience. I am so proud that CCC definitely has it's own 'sound' in a blessed local landscape of lots of choirs, and I am so honoured that I get to make magic with them. Most singers like us do this because we love singing, we love singing with people and we (usually) love the music. It's not for adulation or applause (though they are nice). For me, as last night, the best observations from listeners which I love to receive identify the things we have worked so hard on, such as massive dynamic contrast (few choirs do it better), attention to detail, fresh interpretation, interesting programming, and total commitment and focus. Wonderful organ work (genius orchestral registrations) from Robin Walker last night and Jon Williams at his best on the Baritone solos with lush cello work from Tim Parker in the Pie Jesu adding to a memorable evening. Thank you one and all
- Peter Futcher
Such a sublime evening of music and dreaming last night: thanks to the incredibly talented City of Canterbury Chamber Choir for creating this magic. The event was so special and I'm very glad I was there to experience it - though it has left me aching for more of the same. The video was taken from my cosy place curled up on the floor at the very front of the church (I wish it was more than just a phone recording)... an unusual view of the ceiling to begin, but a perfect illustration of how disparate this candle lit performance was compared to a regular choral concert. Thanks to the 36 majestic voices and to Peter Futcher for your magical vision.
- Michelle Lanstone
