Review: Burgess Hill Choral Society leave their audience uplifted in an accomplished and festive performance
Burgess Hill Choral Society brought festive warmth and musical sparkle to St Andrew’s Church on Saturday 13th December with a well-crafted Winter Concert that delighted a large and appreciative audience.
The programme offered a varied selection of seasonal music and entertaining readings, balancing reflective moments with uplifting celebration. One of the evening’s highlights was John Rutter’s Magnificat, Movement 6 (Esurientes), beautifully shaped and sensitively sung, with the choir capturing both its gentle lyricism and emotional depth. Soprano soloist Ruth Kerr commanded the performance, singing with ease and vocal clarity.
A welcome addition to the programme was Gospel Christmas, arranged by Daryl Runswick and conducted by Deputy Musical Director Katherine Cole. This contrasting and engaging set of Spirituals brought rhythmic vitality and a refreshing change of colour, delivered by the choir with evident enjoyment and commitment.
This was complemented by rousing excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, in which the chorus sang with confidence, clarity, and an impressive sense of style, conveying both the grandeur and joy of this much-loved work. Ruth Kerr’s clear diction and expressive shaping allowed the message of the music to be delivered compellingly, her buoyant and agile tone making ornaments and runs sound effortless. The performance allowed Handel’s music and text to speak with freshness, joy, and conviction.
The concert also embraced the communal spirit of the season, with several familiar festive items inviting the audience to join in. These moments of shared music-making were warmly received and added an engaging, inclusive dimension to the evening.
Throughout the concert, Musical Director Mike Wood conducted with energy and assurance, drawing expressive singing from the choir and maintaining a strong sense of momentum across the varied programme.
This Winter Concert was a fitting celebration of the season: musically accomplished, warmly presented, and full of festive spirit. Burgess Hill Choral Society once again demonstrated its ability to combine artistic quality with a strong sense of community, leaving the audience uplifted and ready for Christmas. We eagerly await their Spring Concert on Saturday 25 April 2026, featuring Beethoven’s magnificent Ninth Symphony (Choral) and Handel’s stirring Coronation Anthems. The Choral Society will be joined by Brighton Chamber Choir and accompanied by Sussex Classical Players — a date for your diaries.