Choir deliver impressive performances in Vienna's finest music venues

During the Easter Break, our Choir travelled to Vienna to perform in some of the country’s finest venues.  

Aside from the sight seeing and cultural highlights, the main reason for our tour to Vienna was to perform as a choir, and that we did, exceptionally well.  

To be able to sing in three amazing venues to enthusiastic, appreciative and full audiences was energising for all members of the choir. As with any programme there are always highlights, and in the first concert Peterskirche that was heard in Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere, the soaring soprano voice of Aoife B (EDH, LV) who remarkably hit her top C three times without as much as a blink of eyelids and gave an incredible performance along with her fellow quartet members, Rose F (G, UVI), Audrey S-T (M, UVI) and Daniel M (O, LVI) all of whom performed stylistically to perfection really set the standard for the rest of the concert.  

The second concert at the Imperial Capuchin Church enabled a more diverse programme, half of which was accompanied by Mr Kellas’ on a rather impressive organ. Performing Rejoice in the Lamb by Benjamin Britten from the balcony of the church was not just memorable but featured some superb singing from the choir as a whole, nimbly managing the lively alternating metre contrasting with the musicality demonstrated by each of our talented soloists.  

As if being invited to sing at St Stephen’s Cathedral was not impressive enough, the acoustic made for an unforgettable final concert featuring O thou, the central orb accompanied once again by Mr Kellas on organ, in a rousing performance truly appreciated by the impressive audience.  

Richard Robbins, Head of Choral Music, added: “It was exceptionally enriching and memorable trip, with our musicians raising their game and lifting the roof in some of Vienna’s finest venues.  

“The choirs’ concert in the church of the Imperial Capuchin Church was sensational. Excellent solos from many within the choir and the team had a homogenous and velvet rich sound throughout. Having the opportunity of singing in the cathedral of St Stephen’s, with its connections to Haydn, Mozart and Vivaldi was an exceptionally special way to finish the trip and we were delighted to be presented with a certificate to recognise our musicians’ contribution to both the musical legacy and upkeep of the building. 

“As well as the sublime musicianship on display, I was particularly impressed with how everyone looked after one another and everyone’s cheerful and can-do attitude. 

“Thank you to Mike Skipper and Seb Cooley for looking after us all, for Maria McKenzie for planning the trip and keeping everyone safe and organised, James Kellas for his superlative accompanying and adapting to new organs with booksmart speed and alacrity, and also to Shelley Oliver, for all the exceptional pre trip arrangements.  

“Finally a huge thanks to all the students for their hard work, dedication and sense of fun.” 

Well done all for your superb performances. 

Maria McKenzie

Director of Music