The Hampstead Collective’s “Messiah” – a review
The Hampstead Collective’s “Messiah” – a reviewSo the Hampstead Collective at last was able to perform “Messiah”, and how they showed what they can do with eight singers, who know what they’re at, and a small band which meant you got the colours of all the instruments! But I do wish we were allowed to know who was who! I had the advantage of being ex-RAM, and I was busy playing catch-up with the people I’d know there. Malachy Frame, of course, I still know, and Leo Duarte had been borrowed for the occasion, but Jacob Garside, the cellist, also ex-RAM was the ‘fixer’, and we even had the Principal’s son Tom on trumpet!
All under the excellent control of Geoffrey Webber at the chamber organ.
I didn’t know any of the ladies, who were all very elegant and very sincere. They really tried to convey the story, and the one who sang “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth” was particularly touching. (I wouldn’t have minded some of the dresses!)
It was our chaps to the fore! Aidan Coburn produced a beautiful effective “Comfort Ye My People” when he did crescendo and diminuendo on long notes. Malachy Frame was in fine form, especially in “The Trumpet Shall Sound” – what a pity the singer can’t play it too, as we know he does it so well on Zoom. I’d pricked up my ears when Ruairi Bowen first appeared at the Church, and they stayed pricked. Very nice indeed. And Alex Ashworth used his powerful bass-baritone to great effect.
Over the last year and more I think we have been the People that walked in Darkness! Now perhaps we can see a Great Light – classical concerts are starting again!