Pretty well everyone arrived in good time as requested and we got under way just after 7.45pm. There seemed to be just about the right amount of space, although I added a little more of our own staging at break time to leave room for those who coudn't make Wednesday's rehearsal. We dindn't sing everything as Paul seemed pleased with the sound we managed to make and we needed to concentrate on the Allegri, the Purcell and one or two other bits including the Bernstein. Our various soloists did us proud - Helen making a lovely job of the Mendelssohn, in spite of a cold and little voice. Annie and Heather blended beautifully in the Greene (the first time we have heard them), Heather also making a super job of a difficult and exposed top B flat in the Bernstein. We didn't sing the Wesley, so Marion did not get to shine, but she made a lovely job of her solo the previous Monday. Last but by no means least was Jill's alto solo in the Bernstein which was fully up to the high standards set by eveyone else. Jan and John only gave us one verse (of half the quartet) in the Allegri as Sue was not there and our chorister from Guildford will join us on Saturday. Paul doesn't have any doubts about the quartet and Jan, John and Sue are reliable and solid - what would we do without them.
I didn't mention Ed in the list of soloists. We have been able to rely on Ed to keep the tenors in line since he joined us and he has a lovely voice suited to all the solos he has been given. So sad that he will be leaving us after the Choral Evensong in Guildford on 21 April, but so pleased for him that he will be taking up family life and re-joining his wife and daughter in Coventry. I'm sure that there is a fortunate choir up there that will benefit from our loss. Thank you so much for your company Ed, and best wishes.
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