A new group, the Alma Mater Singers, performed their first full length concert in Stone on Saturday 11th January
The Alma Mater singers entertained at St Michael’s church with a selection of evocative winter themed songs from a wide variety of contemporary composers, led by Harriet Johnson who is well known in Stone for her direction of Stone Choral Society and Cantiamo
The new group are young women whom she met at Sheffield University. Although they have mostly performed informally this was a polished performance enhanced by other musicians. There was Jennifer Hames on piano, Isobel Fowell on cello and Miriam Kitchener on percussion. Mark Goodhew had a dual role playing double bass and organ.
With these musicians to support them, the singers gave a spirited and lively performance of Jazz Songs of Innocence by Bob Chilcott, an unusual and catchy collection of settings of Blake’s poems.
In the second half there was a contrasting set of songs by composer Sarah Quartel from Canada. I am fairly sure that no one in the audience had heard these performed before and so to have this happen in Stone was a rare treat. The songs were lyrical and tuneful and the cello gave a wistful fullness to the whole.
All in all the whole performance was a delight and I am sure Stone would welcome back the Alma Mater singers when they are ready for their next concert.
