Southampton Choral Society Excels With Confident Voices and Bold Choices

Southampton Choral Society opened their programme at Chandlers Ford Methodist Church on Saturday with an ambitious and confident first exploration of Cecilia McDowall’s Da Vinci Requiem.

Tackling such a complex contemporary work demonstrated both commitment and musical curiosity, and under Andrew Hayman’s assured leadership the choir delivered a performance of growing confidence and cohesion. As the piece unfolded, the ensemble settled into its distinctive rhythmic and harmonic language, shaping the work with increasing clarity and purpose. It was a pleasure to hear it come together with soloists Jenni Harper (Soprano), and Oliver Turner (Baritone), who sang with great poise - contributing to a compelling overall sound world.

This was followed by pianist David Hall’s sensitive performance of Automne by Cécile Chaminade, offering a particularly enjoyable and contrasting interlude before the choir returned to complete the second half of the Requiem with continued conviction. Taken as a whole, this was an impressive and rewarding first encounter with a demanding work, warmly appreciated by an audience of around 150, whose response reflected both engagement and admiration. The Da Vinci Requiem is a piece that clearly merits a place in the choir’s growing repertoire.

Following the interval, the second half showcased the choir’s stylistic versatility, moving into Baroque repertoire with vigour and polish. Isabella Leonarda's Dixit Dominus was delivered with confidence and expressive clarity, clearly playing to the choir’s strengths.

A lively intermezzo featured Andrew Hayman in an exuberant organ performance of Emma Lou Diemer’s Fiesta, adding rhythmic vitality and flair to the evenings enjoyment. 

The programme concluded with a particularly strong Vivaldi Gloria. There were moments of beautifully unified ensemble singing, and the choir captured the energy, bounce, and dance-like character with real style. Joined by mezzo-soprano Jenny Samuel, alongside Jenni Harper, the performance was both confident and uplifting, bringing the evening to a satisfying close

The inclusion of works by four women composers (McDowall, Chaminade, Leonarda and Diemer) was a thoughtful and fitting way to mark International Women in Music Day, highlighting both their artistic contribution and enduring influence within the choral repertoire.
 

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