A New Heaven

Review by Brian Daws

Last Saturday evening, The Cecilia Consort, under the direction of Janet Coxwell, delivered a mesmerizing performance at Douai Abbey. The concert featured a thoughtfully curated programme that resonated deeply with the audience.

The first half showcased a diverse selection of choral works, including Will Todd's "The Call of Wisdom," John Ireland's "Greater Love Hath No Man," and Bob Chilcott's "Canticles of Light." Each piece was performed with precision and emotional depth, highlighting the choir's exceptional talent and cohesion.

In the second half, the choir presented Tomas Luis de Victoria's "Officium Defunctorum Requiem," followed by John Sheppard's "Libera Nos, Salva Nos". The unique acoustics of Douai Abbey enhanced the choir's perfectly balanced mix of voices, creating an atmosphere of serene reflection and uplifting hope. The solid, milky basses and soaring soprano voices, supported by gorgeous alto and tenor parts, made for a truly thought-provoking and beautiful experience.

The Cecilia Consort's performance was a testament to their skill and dedication, leaving the audience in awe and providing moments of contemplative encouragement. It was an evening of remembrance music delivered with such quality that it will be remembered for a long time.