Handel + Bach 

Scholars Baroque Aotearoa and NZBAROK ensemble

Scholars Baroque Aotearoa and Players from NZBAROK presented a wonderful concert for the first time in All Saints Church Matamata, conducted by Chalium Poppy.

The choir sang two Chandos Anthems by Handel, and two Motets by J.S. Bach with wonderful clarity of tone, excellent diction and well balanced in each section.

The four soloists presented the Air movements in the Anthems with great precision and clarity. Ian Tetley (tenor) and Regan McFarlane (soprano) were outstanding with beautiful clear voices, presentation and interpretation.

The orchestra, consisting of 3 violins, cello, bass and portable organ provided excellent accompaniment for the concert. Organist Nicholas Forbes was very competent, providing organ continuo for many movements of the music, and accompaniment for the whole program.

Conductor Chalium Poppy conducted the orchestra and choir with great gusto and enthusiasm, giving clear indication of what he wanted from the choir, in both tempo, and entries.

The audience appreciated the opening comments to the concert, and the translation of the German to English given by the conductor. The information about the Anthems and Motets in the program were also greatly appreciated by the audience.

The concert was interrupted by a power surge but continued with the use of a generator and some lighting. However, the power came back on for the final movement of the Bach Motet Lobet den Herrn with the Alleluias providing an exciting and mighty conclusion to the concert.

The program was certainly a celebration of praise and joy, and much appreciated by the audience, who gave a standing ovation at the conclusion of the concert. Many people attending the concert expressed the desire for more such concerts in the future in All Saints Church, Matamata, with its excellent acoustics and spacious Chancel.

New Zealand is extremely fortunate to have such a choir who perform such complex music to a high standard of musicianship and presentation.

Review by David Brookes
Chair: RSCM Waikato
Organist/Choirmaster: All Saints Church, Matamata
Sunday 13th June, 2021