Published: 17 November, 2011
by RAYMOND MCGILL

The Highgate Choral Society gave a stunning performance of two very contrasting works in their first concert of the season in front of a packed audience at All Hallows, Gospel Oak.

Poulenc’s Gloria is an exuberant work and really thrilling when heard live.

The chorus attacked the lively sections with great precision and, with the help of soprano Anna Devin, brought moments of real pathos to the quieter movements.

Conductor Ronald Corp brought out the variegated colours of the score with the help of his New London Orchestra.

Part two was given over to the Brahms Requiem which required the choir to dig deep into the emotional core of a very heartfelt work.

Baritone Gerard Collett provided dramatic solo interjections and Anna Devin sang the central movement (written on the death of the composer’s mother) with rapt poignancy.

The choir excelled themselves in a work in which they are the dominant protagonists.

Their diction was good and the well-blended choral forces managed moments of rapt stillness and also grand choral flourishes.

The choir is clearly on a high.

• HCS’s concert of Family Carols will be on Saturday December 17, at St Michael’s Church, Highgate