We are indebted to Douglas Cook for the following critique of our winter concert.
'The Castlegate Singers were at last able to present their Christmas Concert and somehow it didn't feel strange to sing carols in January; the new red and black uniform of the choir helped the festive mood.
'It was an entertaining programme, varied in mood and period, and under Val Hetherington's lively direction, vibrant and sensitive in turn. Immaculate support was provided by their accompanist, Anne Marie Kerr, and we were treated to a couple of solos "The Robin Carol" from Jean Lack and "The Road to Bethlehem" from Jane Gambles, both beautifully sung.
'The main item was the premiere of local composer Philip Wood's "Nocturne" to the words by John Keats. The choir coped confidently with the idiom, which looked difficult on the page but sounded warm and attractive in performance. The tuning and dynamics were good, and the balance worked well for the most part, although the second sopranos seemed a little outnumbered in the "Cantique de Jean Racine".
'This choir is now tackling pieces which would have been daunting a few years ago. And singing in seven parts? No problem!'
Douglas Cook.
