Reviews

Miscellaneous reviews of our concerts

 

14th April 2018

"SINGfonia" - Concert in the Quire of Southwell Minster with saraBande Orchestra with Carmen Flores (viola)

From an audience member......

"What a superb concert you gave us last night..........The choir was superb as were the soloists. The whole thing came together beautifully and the whole programme was beautifully balanced. .................... We spoke of nothing else for the rest of the evening - and I'm still buzzing!"

From saraBande Chamber Orchestra.....

"Thank you for a wonderful concert this weekend, it was lovely to perform with you again and in such a beautiful setting of Southwell.
Thank you for a special, beautiful day - an experience to cherish. Bravo!"
 
From an audience member......

.......We so enjoyed the concert. My concert buddy was entranced and I was delighted with her reaction as she had missed your concert at Barnbygate. 

..........  The entire concert was a delight and we’ll certainly keep our eyes peeled for the next one.

7th October 2017

Piety, Jollity and a Ditty for a Deity” - Concert at Newark Music Club at Barnbygate, Newark with Parnell Phil

“…breathtaking, and a perfect start to our season.” ( Newark Music Club)

“The professionalism and skilful performance [of such a variety of pieces] was wonderful to hear.” (Newark Music Club)

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21st April 2012

Reed Warblers” - Concert at Djanogly Arts Centreb with Emma Pountney and Antony Clare

 

 

 William Ruff - Nottingham (Evening) Post

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7th October 2006:

‘Mixed Doubles’ – Joint Concert with the Jay Singers of Norfolk

“……..This was their second collaboration and it left us hoping there will be more......”

Review by Neil Crutchley for Leicster Mercury

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4th June 2005:

Leicester Early Music Festival ****Star Concert****

Purcell’s ‘Dido & Aeneas’ with the Cecilian Academy.

“……..We were privileged to hear the Cecilian Singers, having returned from touring Austria. This choir is elite, displaying supreme purity of tone, precision and effortless accuracy. Exquisite!.....”

Reviewed by Joyce Parkin for Leicester Mercury

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13th March 2004:

Celebrity Concert with Emma Kirkby, Soprano, Anthony Rooley, Lute

and Martyn Hill, Tenor.

“……..The Cecilian Singers have always attracted top-flight artists to perform with them and have turned in some very impressive performances over more than two decades……”

“………The Singers, under Jeremy Jackman, sang with finesse and confidence……”

Reviewed by Neil Crutchley.

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17th May 2003:

21st Anniversary Concert presented by Brian Kay with Black Dyke Band.

“………This was a delightful coming-of-age celebration that combined a wide range of music with high standards and a lively sense of enjoyment.

Part-songs and arrangements of popular, folk and baroque vocal items showed the versatility of the Cecilians, who, under their conductor Jeremy Jackman, produced disciplined, well-balanced and warm-toned singing that gave a great deal of pleasure……..”

Reviewed by Neil Crutchley.

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17th March 2001:

St. James the Greater Church, Leicester.

Celebrity Concert with Emma Kirkby and Anthony Rooley.

“……..Not surprisingly, this concert was a sell-out as the combination of Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley, the Cecilian Singers and the first modern performance of a 300-year-old work was an irresistible one…….”

“…….The choir produced its customary warm, well-balanced sound, with the sopranos adopting an almost operatic vibrato at times……”

Reviewed by Neil Crutchley.

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21st March 1999:

Bach’s St. John Passion with Midland Baroque Orchestra:

First performance of Jeremy Jackman’s new English version outside London.

“……..This intimate, beautifully crafted performance of Bach’s St. John Passion, was carefully prepared, meticulous in details and balance and emotionally committed.

All the forces were guided with insight and understanding by Jeremy Jackman, The choir was superbly balanced and integrated with a rounded tone quality that never once became coarse or vulgar. The varying emotions of the choruses and chorales were very movingly conveyed, the final section being especially affecting……”

Reviewed by Neil Crutchley.

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28th & 29th October 1995:

Brussels Cathedral:

Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady:

“…….The Singers’ performance was greeted with a standing ovation by the large congregation present………”

“…….The Singers, led by Jeremy Jackman, performed the four Part Mass by William Byrd from the high altar of the spectacular Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady. Although located over 100 yards from the audience, the clear tones of the choir soared undiminished through the Cathedral, delighting those present……”

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10th Decmber1987:

Concert at the Art Gallery, Leicester.

“……..One of the most distinctive groups among many excellent choirs in Leicester is The Cecilian Singers, a small, extremely well-balanced chamber choir offering a high standard of performance, combined with a wide ranging repertoire.”

Reviewed by Neil Crutchley.

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26th March 1984:

Celebrity Concert with Philip Jones Brass Ensemble:

“……..the high spot of the evening was a first performance of a Suite of British Folk Songs, arranged by the trombonist of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, Roger Harvey.

The performance of this very witty and beautiful piece was stylish and precise and produced some of the finest singing from the Cecilian Singers. The blend and dynamics from this Leicester choir were excellent throughout the evening………”

Reviewed by Kay Elliott.

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Updated November 2017