Review by Joy bounds, Messiah Dec10th at St.Margaret’s Church, Ipswich

The protracted applause at the end of this much-loved music reflected the enjoyment the audience had experienced. Messiah has almost become a work for 'come and sing' choirs, so it was wonderful and indeed enlightening to hear a well-rehearsed choir sing with such precision and range of expression.

Yet the performance had some hiccups. The alto soloist, we only learnt at the interval, had pulled out at the last moment. Nevertheless, they all - Zoe Brown, Edmund Hastings and Steffan Jones - sang wonderfully. The performance grew in drama and intensity, and it wasn't just tradition, but deep feeling that drew the audience to its feet in the 'Hallelujah Chorus'.

It was good to see new conductor Christopher Borrett direct the choir and the excellent Ars Nova orchestra with such confidence.

Following the Concert of May 8th 2010 , Rev’d. Dr. Marian Carter, an audience member writes:

I had been a little apprehensive regarding this concert, would this be so much reformation music that my mind would wander? However from the magical start when If ye love me floated over us from the back of the church, the scene was set, and with Tom Appleton’s insightful comments on the works we were drawn into the period.

There was some masterful intensity and colour in the singing, with variation in rhythm and volume that captured us and carried us into a feeling of being ‘at one’ with the music which seemed to inhabit the church. Such concentrated unaccompanied singing gave us a special quality of sound.

This was both a demanding and challenging concert for the choir and audience but as the final chord faded away I think we all felt that we had had a fulfilling experience. 

Following the  Christmas Oratorio in St. Margaret’s Church, Ipswich and Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford, Joy Bounds wrote in the Evening Star:-

Those who made the 50-mile round trip to both concerts were rewarded by performances of dramatic intensity and musical excellence.

Bach wrote the Christmas Oratorio in six parts, to be performed one day each at Christmas time, which together form, in the words of Tom Appleton, "a nativity play for adults". It was a rare treat to hear all six.

The unusual staging, with both choir and soloists singing from different places, meant that not only was the music edifying and rich, but the story visibly unfolded, creating a wonderful musical drama.  Often the choir encircled the audience, a beautiful all-around sound resulting.

So why go to Long Melford? This concert was a collaboration between ICC and the York Baroque Players, one of whose members researched the Benjamin Britten Bach at Long Melford weekends of the 1960's.

Britten considered this church to be the perfect surrounding for Bach's music, and indeed there was a quality about Sunday's performance.

Congratulations to Tom Appleton, still in his first year at ICC, for such innovation.  There were many fine performances by players and singers, but the tenor, Jason Darnell, as evangelist was outstanding.

Following the  Psalmfest concert in St. Margaret’s Church, Ipswich, one reviewer wrote:-

This concert was a unique occasion in two respects. I had never experienced a programme entirely based on settings of psalms, nor had the audience previously enjoyed the inspirational conducting of young Tom Appleton, making his debut as Musical Director of Ipswich Chamber Choir.

It dawned on me that this was a ‘getting to know you’ event. Choosing works composed over a span of six centuries, Tom Appleton certainly extended the choir’s range and versatility. At the same time, he was able to introduce himself to his audience. Without his engaging informal linking commentary, the first half of the programme would have seemed a random succession of nine psalm settings. In fact it worked well with many musical highlights – above all the intense praise in William Byrd’s Laudibus in Sanctis and the jollier Laudate Dominum by Sweelinck, both types of music new to this choir. The audience also enjoyed the opportunity to join in singing All people that on earth do dwell’.

The second half of the concert consisted of John Rutter’s Psalmfest, settings of a further nine psalms. Emilia Hughes and Ben Thapa were the pleasing soloists in this and other works. I prefer Mr Rutter’s O clap your hands mode to his repetitive sweetness but this is no reflection on the choir whose energy and diction were always commendable. The outstanding organist and pianist throughout was Christian White.

Yes, we have got to know Tom Appleton and what he can bring out of Ipswich Chamber Choir. I, for one, look forward to hearing them perform Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in December.