Review of Cockermouth Harmonic Society concert  28 January

If a concert takes Italy as its inspiration it is likely that the tenor will steal the show. Christopher Steele is a soloist of tremendous ability and soon established himself as a worthy focal point in the proceedings.

A demanding programme began with excerpts from Monteverdi’s Vespers which were slightly tentative, but were followed by a wonderful performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria which had plenty of  choral attack and brightness and included a great Domine Deus solo from Laurie Ashworth, soprano.  Donizetti’s Miserere was well tackled and was followed by a lovely oboe concerto by Bellini with Cait Walker as soloist.  Puccini’s Requiem is quite short but is lovely music (as one would expect from this composer) and the choir clearly enjoyed singing it. Then came Christopher Steele’s moment of glory with an aria from Verdi’s Macbeth which the audience applauded with great enthusiasm and this was followed by a tremendous rendering of Mascagni’s Easter Hymn, delivered by choir and soprano soloist with great vigour and making a good finale for a fascinating concert.

SUSAN ALLISON