Bromsgrove Choral Society

Review of the Spring 2001 concert

A Programme of English music from Bromsgrove Choral Society in St John's Parish Church under recently appointed conductor Carleton Etherington was a good mix of the well known and the less well known. The choir's major undertaling was Finzi's anthem Lo, the Full, Final Sacriface, but singing with well balanced tone and a good range of dynamics a very creditable performance resulted. Howells and Parry organ solos from Stephen Cowperthwaite and Carleton Etherington added variety and James Mustard, the soloist, in VW's Five Mystical Songs, sang three songs from Finzi's masterly song cycle Earth and Air and Rain.

Review of the Spring 2000 concert

Had Beethoven never composed the Missa Solemnis his Mass in C would be far better known amd probably considered quite a masterpiece. Those thoughts were prompted by a splendid performance of the work by Bromsgrove Choral Society under Carleton Etherington, their conductor, who is still in his first season with the choir. Impressive features are Beethoven's use of the choir singing in unison, his bold fugues and the imaginative setting of the text. Choir, soloists and a good orchestra were equal to all the challenges and the spirit of freshness which pervaded the performance was a credit to all involved.

Review of Christmas 1999 concert

Carleton Etherington...conducted with assurance and control...For the their first concert together Dvorak's religious choral masterpieces, the Te Deum and the wonderfully emotional Stabat Mater, were executed with an assurity and a conviction that was pleasing to hear. The Birmingham Sinfonia...was kept tightly under control and allowed to shine when necessary, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their tutti and roli passages...The choral singing got clearer and more positive as the evening went on, and as the familiarity with the nuances of the score became known.