Romsey Choral Society Concert
Saturday 29th March
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Handel's Saul - Concert on 29th March
- This years Spring Concert in Romsey Abbey was a major performance of Handel's Saul.
- The Choir held a fantastic Choral Workshop on 25th January with 85 participants.
- Kath Tilling kindly reviewed the concert for us:
Romsey Choral Society Concert Review
Handel’s “Saul”
Saturday 29th March 2025
Romsey Choral Society has attracted praise for tackling challenging, large scale works and championing lesser known choral repertoire; a reputation upheld by their recent concert in Romsey Abbey, when the 75-strong choir, conducted by Musical Director Richard Pearce, was joined by a quintet of professional soloists and the renowned Monteverdi String Band for a rare live performance of Handel’s oratorio, Saul.
Saul marked Handel’s first collaboration with librettist Charles Jennens, who, just four years later would provide the text for his beloved masterpiece, Messiah. With words taken from the first book of Samuel, the story tells of the first King of Israel’s relationship with his successor, David; a progression from admiration, through envy to hatred, ultimately leading to the downfall of both Saul and his son Jonathan.
The work opens in declamatory style, with a chorus of Israelites raising their voices to God in thanksgiving for David’s victory over the Philistine giant, Goliath. A series of colourful choruses, culminating in a lusty “Hallelujah”, showcased the versatility and stamina of the choir as they set a joyous tone for the unfolding drama. King Saul, once a mighty warrior himself, congratulates David on his victory and as a reward for his service, offers his elder daughter’s hand in marriage. When haughty Merab (soprano Maryam Wocial), sneering contemptuously, rejects this proposal, her younger sister Michal (soprano Beatriz Volante) chastises her for criticising Israel’s hero. From this interchange, the listener detects the first undertones of the pride, jealousy and distrust which pervade relationships in the royal household.
Chief amongst the casualties is Saul, whose envy of David escalates rapidly to loathing, when the gentle Michal professes her love for the young warrior and the Israelites praise David’s superior battle skills. Enraged by the disloyalty of his family and subjects, Saul orders his son Jonathan to kill David but he, too, defies his father’s instruction. Through a sequence of anguished recitatives and arias, baritone Simon Thorpe masterfully conveyed the gnawing anger of the old ruler, whose decline, whilst pitiful, is inevitable. In complete contrast, lyrical countertenor Francis Gush, as David, maintained a dignified serenity throughout, secure of his faith in God and Michal’s love.
The second act begins in sombre mood, as the chorus ponders the destructive power of Saul’s envy. Jonathan (tenor Christopher Bowen) reins back his disgust at his father’s treatment of David and pleads David's case very persuasively. To his astonishment, Saul relents. David is invited back to court and Michal is promised as his bride; however, David is reluctant to return as he does not trust Saul. When Jonathan tries to explain David’s reticence, Saul rages against them both. In the final act, a despairing Saul summons the Witch of Endor (soprano Maryam Wocial, convincingly embracing her evil side) to raise the ghost of Samuel the prophet. When asked for advice, the ghost predicts that Saul and Jonathan will die the next day in battle and David will inherit the Kingdom of Israel. The prophecy materialises, bringing the drama to its bittersweet closure.
As an unstaged performance, the oratorio relied on text, music and characterisation working together sympathetically to form a seamless whole. Handel’s setting of Jennen’s text is inspired, with David’s noble character referenced by fluid arias and harp solos and Saul’s volatility by angular vocal lines and complex accompaniment. Equally admirable is Handel’s imaginative choice of orchestration, a notable example being the inclusion of a carillon: a set of pitched bells played from a keyboard. Executed with great skill and dexterity by organist Richard McVeigh, the timbre of the symphonic interlude echoed the brilliance and purity of the young David. The orchestra, as specialists in Baroque music and period instruments, ensured musical excellence throughout, whilst the five soloists portrayed a cast of eleven diverse characters with distinction. The choir, in their various guises of narrator, scene-setter, commentator and summariser, delivered their choruses with equal confidence, clarity and conviction. All in all, a performance to remember.
This concert was dedicated to the memory of Mike and Edna Rowland, who not only played a pivotal role in founding Romsey Choral Society in 1981 but also managed Music in Romsey, the voluntary organisation which services concerts at Romsey Abbey, for more than 20 years.
Kath Tilling
01.04.2025
Handel's Saul - Concert on 29th March
- This years Spring Concert in Romsey Abbey was a major performance of Handel's Saul.
- The Choir held a fantastic Choral Workshop on 25th January with 85 participants.
- Kath Tilling kindly reviewed the concert for us:
Romsey Choral Society Concert Review
Handel’s “Saul”
Saturday 29th March 2025
Romsey Choral Society has attracted praise for tackling challenging, large scale works and championing lesser known choral repertoire; a reputation upheld by their recent concert in Romsey Abbey, when the 75-strong choir, conducted by Musical Director Richard Pearce, was joined by a quintet of professional soloists and the renowned Monteverdi String Band for a rare live performance of Handel’s oratorio, Saul.
Saul marked Handel’s first collaboration with librettist Charles Jennens, who, just four years later would provide the text for his beloved masterpiece, Messiah. With words taken from the first book of Samuel, the story tells of the first King of Israel’s relationship with his successor, David; a progression from admiration, through envy to hatred, ultimately leading to the downfall of both Saul and his son Jonathan.
The work opens in declamatory style, with a chorus of Israelites raising their voices to God in thanksgiving for David’s victory over the Philistine giant, Goliath. A series of colourful choruses, culminating in a lusty “Hallelujah”, showcased the versatility and stamina of the choir as they set a joyous tone for the unfolding drama. King Saul, once a mighty warrior himself, congratulates David on his victory and as a reward for his service, offers his elder daughter’s hand in marriage. When haughty Merab (soprano Maryam Wocial), sneering contemptuously, rejects this proposal, her younger sister Michal (soprano Beatriz Volante) chastises her for criticising Israel’s hero. From this interchange, the listener detects the first undertones of the pride, jealousy and distrust which pervade relationships in the royal household.
Chief amongst the casualties is Saul, whose envy of David escalates rapidly to loathing, when the gentle Michal professes her love for the young warrior and the Israelites praise David’s superior battle skills. Enraged by the disloyalty of his family and subjects, Saul orders his son Jonathan to kill David but he, too, defies his father’s instruction. Through a sequence of anguished recitatives and arias, baritone Simon Thorpe masterfully conveyed the gnawing anger of the old ruler, whose decline, whilst pitiful, is inevitable. In complete contrast, lyrical countertenor Francis Gush, as David, maintained a dignified serenity throughout, secure of his faith in God and Michal’s love.
The second act begins in sombre mood, as the chorus ponders the destructive power of Saul’s envy. Jonathan (tenor Christopher Bowen) reins back his disgust at his father’s treatment of David and pleads David's case very persuasively. To his astonishment, Saul relents. David is invited back to court and Michal is promised as his bride; however, David is reluctant to return as he does not trust Saul. When Jonathan tries to explain David’s reticence, Saul rages against them both. In the final act, a despairing Saul summons the Witch of Endor (soprano Maryam Wocial, convincingly embracing her evil side) to raise the ghost of Samuel the prophet. When asked for advice, the ghost predicts that Saul and Jonathan will die the next day in battle and David will inherit the Kingdom of Israel. The prophecy materialises, bringing the drama to its bittersweet closure.
As an unstaged performance, the oratorio relied on text, music and characterisation working together sympathetically to form a seamless whole. Handel’s setting of Jennen’s text is inspired, with David’s noble character referenced by fluid arias and harp solos and Saul’s volatility by angular vocal lines and complex accompaniment. Equally admirable is Handel’s imaginative choice of orchestration, a notable example being the inclusion of a carillon: a set of pitched bells played from a keyboard. Executed with great skill and dexterity by organist Richard McVeigh, the timbre of the symphonic interlude echoed the brilliance and purity of the young David. The orchestra, as specialists in Baroque music and period instruments, ensured musical excellence throughout, whilst the five soloists portrayed a cast of eleven diverse characters with distinction. The choir, in their various guises of narrator, scene-setter, commentator and summariser, delivered their choruses with equal confidence, clarity and conviction. All in all, a performance to remember.
This concert was dedicated to the memory of Mike and Edna Rowland, who not only played a pivotal role in founding Romsey Choral Society in 1981 but also managed Music in Romsey, the voluntary organisation which services concerts at Romsey Abbey, for more than 20 years.
Kath Tilling
01.04.2025
Choir Diary at a Glance
5th July 2025 Summer Concert 7:30pm
8th November 2025 Concert 7:30pm
7th December 2025 Concert - afternoon
5th July 2025 Summer Concert 7:30pm
- A programme of Renaissance Music to be confirmed
- St. Cross Church, Winchester
8th November 2025 Concert 7:30pm
- Rachmaninov's Vespers
- Romsey Abbey
7th December 2025 Concert - afternoon
- Christmas music and readings
- Chandlers Ford Methodist Church
Recent Concerts
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About Romsey Choral Society
Established in 1981, Romsey Choral Society numbers close to 80 singers - drawn from all over Hampshire and as far afield as Wiltshire and Dorset - and presents four concerts each year, two of which are in the historic surroundings of Romsey Abbey.
Established in 1981, Romsey Choral Society numbers close to 80 singers - drawn from all over Hampshire and as far afield as Wiltshire and Dorset - and presents four concerts each year, two of which are in the historic surroundings of Romsey Abbey.
Romsey Abbey
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St Cross Church
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The Society is now widely recognised as one of Hampshire’s most interesting and vibrant choral groups, having programmed a wide range of music, with everything from plainchant to jazz.
Rehearsals take place :
- Musical Director: Richard Pearce
- Accompanist: Richard McVeigh
Rehearsals take place :
- Tuesday evenings at7:30pm
- Romsey Methodist Church, The Hundred, Romsey. SO51 8BZ
Choir for hire
In addition to our regular concert calendar, RCS can assist by providing a small choir at your weddings, funerals and corporate events.
Click here for a Choir for Hire Enquiry
Click here for a Choir for Hire Enquiry
Are you interested in joining RCS?
If you love singing, then why not come and join us?
Romsey Choral Society welcomes new members at any time of the year.
For details see our Join Us page or contact [email protected]
Romsey Choral Society welcomes new members at any time of the year.
For details see our Join Us page or contact [email protected]