Varied programme skilfully performed
Chichester Observer, 8.12.05

The Shopywhyke Singers,
Westbourne House School
Review: GILLIAN HOOKER

THE Shopwhyke Singers' autumn concert was a treat.

This choir is thriving - it has nearly doubled its size and is now over 50 strong.

The lines are well balanced and the singing commmitted and responsive to the conductor Alexander Dichmont.

The programme was interesting and varied.

The main work of the evening was the curious but ever-popular Carmina Burana.Westbourne House School Choir joined forces for this work and the combined chorus had great power and strength, and sang with energy and on the whole rhythmic precision. The tongue twisters in the strange words were crisp.

The soloists were superb. Lisa Swayne – a former pupil at Westbourne House – was a sparkling and mellifluous soprano, with wonderful coloratura in the Dulcissime.

David Brown, tenor, was lyrical and heartfelt and Robert Rice, baritone, not only sang magically but introduced more than a hint of opera in his solo in the Tavern section by being a drunken abbot – to the amusement of all.
The whole was superbly accompanied by Matthew Cooke on the piano and Gerry Berkley and Eleanor Steinitz on percussion.

The first half of the programme was more gentle. Tippett’s lovely Five Negro Spirituals worked well, the soloists singing from within the choir.

Highlights from the selection of Percy Grainger songs were David Brown’s sensitive Brigg Fair, a charming rendition of Willow Willow by four young stars of the future – Millie Ashworth, Bethan Gibb, Harry Lighton, and Henry Woods from Westbourne House – and a humourous delivery of Country Garden by eight hands on two pianos (Matthew Cooke, Sue Hawkins, Jonathan Ling and Alex Dichmont).

The enthusiastic audience filled the Millennium Hall at Westbourne House School. It was a warm and comfortable venue – a great bonus on a very cold night - where choir and audience seemed to feel at home.