Hertfordshire Chorus wows Royal Festival Hall audience

Conducted by David Temple who is celebrating 25 years as Musical Director of the Hertfordshire Chorus, the choirs filled the hall with a rich and dramatic sound that was warmly received by the audience, with rave reviews from the critics.

Joined by acclaimed soloists Francesca Chiejina, Dame Sarah Connolly, Ben Hulett and Ashley Riches, the concert showcased the strength of massed voices working together, with the singers responding sensitively to the music’s shifting moods, from moments of reflection and intimacy to passages of full choral grandeur.

For many in the audience, it was a memorable evening that highlighted the impact strength of collaboration between two highly regarded choirs.

Professional reviewers wasted no time celebrating David Temple and the choir's amazing success.

"I have NEVER heard a chorus like you, much less in this piece "The Kingdom", "A million BRAVOS".

Dame Sarah Connolly (Jan 29th)

“There is nothing to compare with the visceral experience of hearing a massed choir – in this case the 230-strong combined forces of the Crouch End Festival Chorus and the Hertfordshire Chorus – in full-throated fortissimo.”

“The discipline and togetherness of the combined choirs was an impressive feature of the whole evening, whether in the beefy passages of the lower voices in Part 1 or the women’s voices as the Mystic Chorus of Part 3.

“Hats off to David Temple … for his advocacy of this piece, which couldn’t have been given a more sympathetic reading.”

The Arts Desk (Jan 31st)

"The choral climaxes were truly glorious, and certainly both choirs were on fine form (this is not easy music, by any means) not only in terms of sound but in the way the singers attacked the text."

Planet Hugill (Jan 29th)

Following this success, Hertfordshire Chorus now looks forward to its next concert in St Albans Cathedral, a venue with which they have had a long association. The programme will celebrate the music of Mozart, featuring his Requiem alongside other well-loved works. The performance promises an evening of drama, beauty and emotional depth, brought to life by chorus, soloists and orchestra.

Hertfordshire Chorus is a large, friendly and ambitious choir, drawing its members from across Hertfordshire, London and the surrounding areas. Whilst it regularly appears on major London stages, the chorus remains firmly rooted in the local community, performing frequently in Hertfordshire’s historic venues.

The chorus is always keen to welcome new singers in all voice parts with requirements for enthusiasm, commitment and a love of choral music (and cake). Rehearsals take place weekly in Welwyn Garden City, and new members are encouraged to come along and experience the choir for themselves.

With an exciting programme ahead and recent high-profile performances to its credit, Hertfordshire Chorus continues to make a significant contribution to the county’s cultural life, offering both outstanding concerts and a welcoming musical home for singers.

For more information about forthcoming concerts or joining the chorus, visit the Hertfordshire Chorus website.