Ruddington & District Choral Society (RDCS)’s spring concert on Saturday 18th May was, as promised in the pre-concert advertising, a highlight not only of our own year but also that of the wider Nottinghamshire choral scene.
St Mary’s Church in the Lace Market was filled to capacity as 500 singers, musicians and audience members gathered for a glorious performance of Mendelssohn’s much loved Old Testament oratorio “Elijah.” Joining RDCS were the Burton Joyce Choral Society, the Nottingham Hospitals’ Choir and the Djanogly Community Orchestra. Completing the line-up were soloists Jane Harwood, Fiona Milburn, Simon Lumby and James Gaughan, and organist Michael Overbury.
The event, sponsored by the Co-op Local Community Fund, was a sell-out with support from across Nottinghamshire and further afield. RDCS were especially gratified to receive so much local support from Ruddington and the surrounding area.
Under the skilled, sensitive and enthusiastic baton of Paul Hayward, our Director of Music, the performers enthralled the audience from start to finish, ensuring not only a hugely enjoyable and successful performance but also one which beautifully captured this glorious work.
In 1846, The Times reported on the first performance of “Elijah” as follows: “Never was there a more complete triumph, never a more speedy recognition of a great work of art.” The audience on 18th May 2019 clearly felt the same way as they applauded the performance on leaving St Mary’s Church at the close of the evening. Typical comments included: “A wonderful night,” “Stunning” and “What a super performance”. Or, as one elderly gentleman remarked as he went out into the Lace Market, “The best £10 I’ve ever spent for a Saturday night out.”
The new RDCS season begins on Monday 9th September. For more information, please visit www.ruddington-choral.com or call 0115 921 1451.
Pat Beale