‘Shall we go?’ Dick and I pondered, as our day on 30th April was already jam packed. Yes, we decided, it could be good, but we were not altogether convinced having sat through what seems like an enormous number of interminable school, and assorted concerts (don’t tell our kids we said this). Off we toddled hearing the bellringers as we approached. ‘Well, if the concert’s as good we will enjoy.’ We had thought we’d get there pretty much on the dot of 3.30 as surely there would be plenty of pew space?
Oh, ye of little faith for ahead of us a long queue of people steadily disappeared inside St Mary’s Church. Outside were some of the orchestra in their best bibs and tuckers. Were they having a last cigarette, or a final natter? Inside the church was packed, everywhere was a hubbub of anticipation. Eventually we found a pew alongside a pillar in the North Aisle. Thankfully there were TV screens for those who didn’t have a view of the choir, orchestra, and organ (so well organised).
A brief introduction by The Revd Derek Simpson, before the concert took off at a canter with Zadok the Priest, the British anthem composed by George Frideric Handel for the coronation of King George II in 1727, which drew us all into the heart of the Coronation, and the concert. Zadok the Priest was performed by the Strings Attached Orchestra including, for the occasion, Matthew Atherton – organ, Richard Sowden – trumpet and Evelyn Wilson – Timpani, not forgetting the Thirsk Coronation Choir.
Trevor Wilson was the conductor, and urged the orchestra and the choir into a soaring evocation of the majesty and history of the Coronation. Voices, along with the music, soared to sublime heights, and I, as always when music is quite perfect, cried. Tissues out, please. It set the tone for the first half of the concert, with the Suite from Abdelaza by Purcell, followed by Meditation for String Orchestra and Organ by Rowley.
A high point was the Choir singing Oh Lord, grant the King a long life, composed by our own Matthew S Atherton, organist supreme. When it ended Dick whispered, ‘To think we dithered.’ Indeed.
Incidentally the Thirsk Coronation Choir was established specifically for the concert by Matthew Atheron, who drew in over 70 singers from North Yorkshire choirs. Matthew rehearsed about 30 people every week (from a piano) for ten weeks, culminating in two full choir rehearsals just before the concert, so is it any wonder the roof seemed perilously close to taking off from time to time. Many members of the choir shared with Frost Magazine that they not only loved every minute of the rehearsals but made new friends along the way. Well, that’s what’s called community, is it not. But on with the programme…
The Orchestra and Organ then played the Concerto for Organ and Orchestra in F manor Op4. No5 by Handel which took us into the interval and there it was – laid out before us in the North Aisle: Thirsk and surroundings coming together as a community, not just to play, sing and listen but to chat, greet, and guzzle the cakes that the ladies of the community were now serving. Yes, I repeat, a community.
The second half comprised, Parry’s – I Was Glad, for Orchestra, Choir and Organ, followed by Handel’s Water Music Suite No1, then Warlock’s Capriol Suite performed by the Orchestra, until we tilted into Walton’s Crown Imperial March for Orchestra and organ.
Soggy tissues put in one pocket, dry ones taken from another. And I wasn’t alone. Then… oh then… Vaughan Williams’ The Old Hundreth with three verses for the audience. Oh Lord, off we went with the words writ large on the TV screen, which also exhorted us to watch the conductor!! We obeyed, too right we did.
Finally, the Orchestra, Choir, Organ and Audience stood to sing The National Anthem. I am absolutely sure the roof took off, landing safely just as the standing ovation rang out. Such a high calibre concert, such a stunning community occasion. What could be better? Nothing, nothing at all. How proud we were, and are, of them all.
Thanks to Conductor: Trevor Wilson. Leader: Julie Bates: Organist: Matthew Atherton. Thirsk Coronation Choir. Special thanks to Alec Peach – lighting and sound engineer, and the St Mary’s Bellringers.
Information of forthcoming Summer Concerts and Events at St. Mary’s
Sunday 14th May 15.00: Chamber choir concert with the 200 Singers.
Sundat 9th July15.00 Service of song and creative arts in thanksgiving for Creation.
Sunday 6th August 15.00 A concert by Ripon Resound@ Summer is Icomin’ In!
Sunday 10th September 15.00 Thirsk Royal British Legion Band present: A Festival of Brass.
Frost Magazine has managed to grab the outstanding organist, Matthew Atherton, for a Spotlight piece. Not only is Matthew a wonderful organist, but clearly a great choir leader because… But no… look out for more in a couple of weeks time.