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PRESS REVIEWS
“Always an impressive choir, this performance found them in
particularly sparkling form, their enjoyment plain to see, with careful
attention given to phrasing and articulation, and a lovely full tone
maintained throughout. Conductor Brian Kay ensured a well-paced and
well-balanced performance that was uplifting and suitably
reverential.….” Soloists: Martene Grimson, Richard Edgar-Wilson, Derek
Welton. Nicola Lisle, Oxford Times 10/12/09 re Haydn’s Creation
"There was some gloriously measured singing from the choir, who
poured their hearts and souls into the great choral numbers, filling
Burford’s ancient church with thrilling, spine-tingling sounds. As for
the soloists, there was musical wizardry at work here, with everything
they touched turning to gold…." Nicola Lisle, Oxford Times 06/08/09,
re Monteverdi Vespers Concert 28/06/09.
”This exemplary choir delivered an eloquent and polished performance
(of Handel’s Messiah), notable for its clear, perfectly rounded entries,
precise diction and carefully observed dynamics.” Oxford Times 9th
April 2009
“The annual Advent concert … under the authoritative direction of
Brian Kay, delightfully captured the seasonal spirit. The programme …
was wonderfully varied in mood, ranging from Christmas jollity to
thoughtful reflection and reverence…. As we were leaving, members of the
choir were handing out chunks of figgy pudding, ensuring that we all
went home full of seasonal cheer.” Nicola Lisle, Oxford Times
December 2008
“For their customary Easter offering, the Burford Singers turned this
year to Bach's St John Passion, imbuing this intensely dramatic work
with a real sense of purpose and commitment. Brian Kay's inspired
conducting ensured a thrilling and heartfelt performance, in which the
contrasts in mood and dynamics were meticulously observed.....”
(Soloists included Bibi Heal, Andrew Kennedy, Benedict Nelson, Catherine
Griffiths, Daniel Auchincloss and Adam Green.) Nicola Lisle, Oxford
Times, March 2008
“The Burford Singers' pre-Christmas extravaganza on Sunday was a
particularly wonderful occasion, which – although not consisting of any
Christmas music – nevertheless captured the festive spirit with some
joyful and vibrant singing.” (Soloists included Elizabeth Watts,
Catherine Hopper, Sean Clayton and William Berger.) Nicola Lisle, Oxford
Times, November 2007
“A truly magnificent performance of Handel’s Judas Maccabeus……This…….oratorio
makes great demands on its chorus, but the Burford Singers proved
themselves more than equal to the task………….Under the ever-reliable
direction of Brian Kay, they maintained a strong, resonant sound
throughout, with crisp entries and endings and crystal clear
diction……….This was a memorable performance, for the quality of the
singing from both chorus and soloists, for the skilful and well-balanced
contribution from the Cotswold Chamber Orchestra, and for the palpable
enthusiasm and commitment from all concerned.” (Soloists included
Bibi Heal, Frances Bourne, Andrew Staples, Quentin Hayes.) Nicola Lisle,
Oxford Times, November 2006
“Under the direction of broadcaster Brian Kay, this enthusiastic
group has flourished, and is surely one of the finest amateur choirs in
the county. Everything about them impressed: the quality of the sound,
the perfect diction, the close observance of dynamics, the crisp entries
and meticulous endings. This was once a good choir: now it’s an
exemplary one…..A fine crop of soloists added weight to the Charpentier
and Purcell pieces.” (Soloists included James Bowman, Matthew Venner,
Andrew Staples, Rebecca Outram, Robert Evans.) Nicola Lisle, Oxford
Times, December 2004 |