Elgar’s ‘Dream of Gerontius’ was the chosen work for this year’s ‘Come and Sing’ hosted by Portsmouth Choral Union on Saturday 28th January.
The choir was delighted to welcome the large number of enthusiastic visiting singers that joined them for this most enjoyable event. The afternoon began with professional singer and choral animator Faye Eldret taking the choir through a series of effective ‘limbering up’ exercises – after which we were ready to tackle the demands of the Elgar masterwork.
Conductor David Gostick, had chosen wisely when deciding which sections of this large work we would rehearse and perform. With good humour and gentle encouragement, four major sections were tackled: the demanding ‘demons chorus’ and ‘praise to the Holiest’ and the less demanding ‘Holy Mary pray for him’ and the concluding ‘Lord, Thou has been our refuge’. After a welcome break for tea and cake, our short ‘sing-through’ performance was much appreciated by an audience of friends and visitors.
Lois Johnson
