Colla Voce are an a cappella vocal chamber ensemble, formed around seventeen years ago, who perform repertoire ranging from early music, through to classical and popular contemporary material. In this particular concert eight of the current members were performing.
This concert proved to be an inspiring start to the advent season, especially within the beautiful, yet intimate setting of St. Leonard's Sunningwell. The material performed shared a Christmas theme, both sacred and secular, ranging from settings of early traditional carols to contemporary compositions, all performed with skilful harmonies, rhythm and enthusiasm. Solo lines were also well sung from various members of the ensemble.
The first half of the concert concentrated on sacred repertoire, with a number of the wonderful David Willocks carol arrangements that have become synonymous with the Christmas season, including 'Tomorrow shall be my dancing day' and 'Infant Holy' . The ensemble performed a beautiful rendition of one of my personal favourites, the atmospheric John Rutter arrangement of the Appalachian carol, 'I wonder as I wander'.
I particularly enjoyed Britten's 'A Hymn to the Virgin' and the piece that concluded the first half 'Joseph and the Angel' by Halflidi Hallgrimsson (no I've never heard of him either!). This song had a really engaging narrative supported by Hallgrimsson's musical setting and was consummately performed.
The ensemble let their hair down for the second half of the evening, well... actually they donned tinsel, antlers, flashing Christmas ties, Santa hats and a fine Santa beard, the latter remained in place on bass, Will Orr, for two songs but probably proved too much of a hindrance to vocal flexibility!
We were treated to a number of superb arrangements by Peter Gritton, including 'Winter Wonderland' and many more old popular favourites as well as 'Follow that Star' composed by Gritton himself. 'The Goslings' by Frederick Bridge with its tragic-comedy was delivered in appropriate style. I enjoyed the the affable informality of how the songs were introduced by members of the ensemble. The evening ended with a smooth rendition of 'Have yourselves a merry little Christmas'.
The concert was presented with musicality and style throughout the evening. Colla Voce demonstrated great empathy with the repertoire and were visibily enjoying themselves as were the appreciative audience.