When you attend a Rainbow Chorus concert, you look forward to taking away the memory of an evening of excellent music and singing, but this special 21st anniversary celebration was a completely different matter and offered much more.
CERTAINLY neither the sensitive accompaniment by Mojca Monte Amali nor the rich blend of harmonies disappointed but it was moving, truthful and, often, painful with stories of life 21 years ago, or at the age of 21, for all members of the LGBT+ communities and beyond that stayed with me as the ultimate memory of the evening. All speeches touched the heart but the stand out one by Penny Lloyd had many in tears.
As ever, Aneesa Chaudhry lead from the front with gusto and expertise, always a show within herself! The harmonies she elicits from the Chorus are full and interesting and best enjoyed, for me, in the more classical items.
Favourites were the Mauritian Pokarekare Ana, the simplicity of Panis Angelicus and David Fanshawe’s The Lords Prayer from African Sanctus. Shenandoah was received well and the ever popular Lavender Song made a rousing end of Act 1 – such an appropriate anthem for all LGBT+ choirs and first heard in Berlin in 1920.
The audience loved O Fortuna from Carmina Burana but it was Lauren Boal’s beautiful soprano voice that drew the cheers for Laudate Dominum. I must mention Ms Amali’s wonderful intros especially Via Pensiero….an example of how “music is often the silence between the notes” – I would love to hear the chorus programme a piano item next time so we can really appreciate her talent.
The British Sign Language interpreter Jill Blackadder, did exactly that often appearing to be dancing lyrically and totally within the music. Sound by JTL Brighton was good and clear.
Constructive points? Sight lines were bad for speakers/soloists as the MD conductor’s stand was so high; tenor 1’s need beefing up in number – a problem with many choirs – and, although the chorus looked smart in their black shirts and rainbow accessories, they got lost against the black background.
With the thanks given before the concert – always a good idea – Happy Birthday was sung by the audience at the end. A true celebration of all the wonderful work that Brighton Choruses do for the Brighton LGBT+ communities and beyond, giving their time voluntarily and tirelessly.
Leaving the church via the selection of T-shirts on display from 21 years of past shows and outings, we must wish this unique community choir another successful 21 years and look forward to their next concert on December 15.
Review by Carole Todd
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