"Concert Review"

Ex Cathedra

St Chad's Church

6 December 2006

A huge audience turned out for this Christmas concert, which has become an annual event very much not to be missed. Ex Cathedra – a mixed choir of thirty-two voices – is now one of the UK’s foremost ensembles, and has become particularly known for the eclectic nature of its programming, under the inspirational leadership of Jeffrey Skidmore.

This over-riding magic of the evening was its atmosphere – hushed, dignified and mysterious. Making full use of St. Chad’s unusual layout, the beauty of its acoustic, and the special intimacy of candle-light, a varied programme was quite wonderfully performed, entirely unaccompanied.

Interspersed by readings, the carols ranged from the earliest of plainsong settings – ‘Ave Generosa’ by Hildegard of Bingen, for example – right through to the present day. Two carols, by Eric Whitacre, with their modern atonal harmonies, were a revelation: sung with impeccable intonation and almost ethereal spaciousness, the singers seemed to bring out all that is spiritual about Christmas. The cash-tills were, at least for the moment, stilled. Old favourites – ‘Away in a Manger’ or Warlock’s ‘Bethlehem Down’ – had a moving serenity, but the more boisterous side of the Season, with drums and jingles, was there too, in an old Spanish carol, ‘Polorum regina’. 

When singing in unison, the tone and ensemble was as one: when in the lushest of harmonies, balance was perfect. Jeffrey Skidmore is a lucky conductor indeed to have such singers at his command, and the music-lovers of Shropshire equally fortunate to have the Shropshire Music Trust bring such magnificent ensembles to the region. Don’t miss this one next year!

Chris & Fenella Symons

Last Updated : 07/12/2006