From the Formby Times, April 24th 2008:
 

Choral delights from Formby Choral Society

A TRIUMPH.” “Wonderful.” “Exhilarating.” “Very moving.”

These were typical of the many complimentary comments I heard from members of the audience after Saturday’s concert in which the Formby Choral Society joined with the Birkenhead Choral Society and the choristers of Merchant Taylors’ School to perform what are arguably the two finest choral compositions of the last 50 years.

Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms presents formidable linguistic and rhythmic difficulties but these were coped with more than adequately by the combined choirs, numbering over 300. The treble solo in the second movement was sung with confidence by 11-year-old James Orrell.

While the choir recovered from the exertions and concentration of the Bernstein, we were treated to a beautiful and sensitive performance of Elgar’s Sea Pictures by Victoria Byron, who learned her singing in Formby before going on to the Royal Academy, ably supported by the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.  (NB actually the Liverpool Philharmonia Orchestra - webmaster)

And then – The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins. This powerful, profound and moving work was given a truly outstanding rendering by choir and orchestra, with the two mezzo-soprano solos again sung beautifully by Victoria Byron.

It is often easy, when praising fine singing and playing, to take for granted the vital role of the conductor, who not only has to control the performers on the night but needs to spend many hours in rehearsing – in this case, no less than three separate choirs and then combining them together into a coherent whole. The overall excellence of Saturday’s concert was due in large measure to conductor David Holroyd, to whom those of us fortunate to be present – either in the audience or as a participant in the choir – should be deeply grateful.

We are indeed lucky to have such an accomplished and versatile musician in our midst and long may he remain in Formby.

C. S.
 

From the Daily Post, April 21st 2008:

. . . (David Holroyd's techniques) helped, demonstrably in the performance of Bernstein's emotive and highly challenging Chichester Psalms.  This is an immensely difficult work to perform remotely convincingly and the choirs did that.

. . . right from the huge choral sound at the opening - with some startlingly good sounds from the male singers - this movement held together, something at which many revered professional groups have baulked.

. . . in the Armed Man the choral forces, again, acquitted themselves well: strong, dependable.  There was a great deal of energy and commitment to the performance.

Some other comments received:

Firstly - what a great concert it was on Saturday - we really enjoyed it. The choir was in terrific voice and the overall effect was excellent - exactly as predicted, in fact!! I'm sure you must all have been delighted, but probably also exhausted by the end, and I hope David is suitably pleased about the whole performance.  (SW)

We were overwhelmed by the power and emotion of the Armed Man and the energy of the whole concert. It was mind-blowing.  (MM)

I was fortunate to be able to attend the whole rehearsal and then obtain a ticket for the evening.  Congratulations to everyone involved and especially to David for pulling off such a stunning performance.  (MH)

Wow! I am still lost for words. When I have got over the fact that I was so exhilarated and at the same time emotionally totally drained, maybe I will be able to write something coherent. For now, words simply do not suffice to explain what a powerful, and also enjoyable concert this was. You had to be there - and I am so glad that I was. I haven't missed a single performance by Formby Choral Society in many a long year now - and when they join forces with Birkenhead and Merchant Taylors' ... well, I knew I could expect something special, given the music. I've only one nagging thought - what on earth can they do next?  (MC)

We are pleased and proud to have received emails, letters and telephone calls from a large number of other supporters echoing these sentiments. We are immensely impressed by the part played by the boys from Merchant Taylors' School.  Over the whole age range they made a great contribution, and showed a great interest in what must have been daunting circumstances.  We hope they continue to sing, wherever they move in their future careers, and possibly a few join Birkenhead or Formby.  Thank you to all who helped, supported, and came to enjoy the concert.

DH, Chairman, BCS