Durham Cathedral’s Chapter House provided the perfect setting for a ravishing performance by the Durham Singers; its unique acoustic giving an added resonance to a programme of music entitled I’m a Pilgrim. The a capella recital, bearing the theme of a pilgrimage from exile to a promised land, mixed English romantic and contemporary works with arrangements of American spirituals by Moses Hogan. Directed by Dr Julian Wright, the singers negotiated every twist and turn with a seamless fluency. The sweeping lines of Ken Burton’s Sweet is the Memory were born aloft with exquisitely shaped phrasing, while Hogan’s Ev’ry time I feel the Spirit had an infectiously joyous lilt. Among the many other highlights was Hogan’s This little light of mine, underpinned by superlative contributions from Susan Moore’s soaring soprano voice and Simon Tasker’s warm bass tones. Hubert Parry’s Never a weather-beaten Sail was a showcase for the singers’ collective talents. A contemplative piece, drawing from a rich palette of colours, the whole was brought together magnificently by Dr Wright. The walls themselves seemed to be singing along. Ralph Vaughan William’s Mr Valiant-for-truth was conveyed with a searing intensity, followed by a soothing Rest by Burton. The musical journey arrived at its destination with a magnificent rendition of Julian Anderson's Will you Meet Me at the Fountain, with alto Morven Adey and soprano Clare Wills rising to the occasion. The Durham Singers remain a jewel in the region’s musical crown.
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