THOMAS HARDYE SINGERS

St Mary’s Church,

Dorchester

THIS annual celebration that welcomes the Imperial College Symphony Orchestra when they perform with Dorchester’s upper school singing group as well as pupils from two other local schools, is an event that regularly attracts a full house and their latest concert was no exception.

Much loved musical favourites were on the programme, starting with Mozart’s Requiem and literally finishing with a bang with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, all of which were performed with love and dedication by the young singers and instrumentalists.

With three conductors to help things along, the standard was, as always, extremely high in all the works as the Requiem’s emotionally charged movements got the evening off to a fine start.

Faure’s ever popular Cantique brought a joyous atmosphere to the church after the interval along with the Farandole from Bizet’s Arlesienne Girl, the familiar melodies bringing a feeling of fresh hope to the sadness of Arrnistice Day.

The supply of paper bags to every member of the audience provided everyone with the opportunity to put them to good use during the finale of the rousing 1812 Overture and loud noises duly followed as the bags were blown up and exploded with enthusiasm and a sense of fun.

Thus a superb evening of first class music was rounded off in roistering style but the lasting memory will almost certainly be of favourite melodies played with energy and dedication by young students from all over the world who come together to create something beautiful.

The Thomas Hardye Singers can be enjoyed again on Thursday 15th December at St Peter’s Church where they will be perform at a carol service.

MARION COX