Cherish performance of Dream of Gerontius

The orchestral writing is ‘20th century’, even though the work was composed in the 19th. Above all, the part of Gerontius needs a tenor with style, staying-power and intelligence. If no-one is available, forget it! On Sunday 24 April 2016 conductor Graham Jones raised his baton, and the miracle happened.

The long orchestral Introduction displayed the ESO’s strings, indeed the entire orchestra, in full flight, incisive and immensely moving. And so it remained throughout both parts of the long work.

Not only was the orchestra in fine fettle but equally impressive was the combined choir consisting of the Eastbourne Symphony Chorus, the Eastbournian Society Chorus and the Renaissance Singers.

Andrew Mackenzie-Wicks brought to the tenor part not only a beautiful voice but power, emotion and insight. Commercial recordings always feature world-famous tenors singing with great conductors: I have on disc names like Heddle Nash, Nicolai Gedda, and Richard Lewis; but at no point was I disappointed by Andrew’s assumption of the role. The high spots (Sanctus Fortis, De Profundis, Take Me Away) rang magically round the handsome church.

Jozik Kotz, seen recently conducting the Hailsham Choral Society, reminded us that he is a bass-baritone with a justifiable operatic reputation. As the High Priest, his commanding voice was a model of how to sing Go Forth Upon Thy Journey, Christian Soul. Similarly powerful too was Jesu, By That Shuddering Dread.

Susan Legg (alto, or mezzo-soprano) proved to be just the sort of guide a soul might wish for in purgatory. Her upper register caressed the air, and she was able to give human warmth to an unearthly encounter.

The choir became demons, angelicals or assistants as required, changing their sound yet never damaging the quality of their singing. And the orchestra proved itself well able to respond to Graham’s direction. Full marks to the orchestra leader, Lisa Wigmore.

The church was full, the mayor was there, and the whole performance will long be cherished.

Do not miss the ESO’s next two concerts in St Saviour’s. On 19 June, the winner of their annual young soloist competition will play Dvořák’s gorgeous cello concerto. I was certain when I heard Jamal Aliyev from Turkey at the competition that he was destined for fame. And on 30 October, another of the five finalists in the competition, Ben Goldscheider, will join the ESO to play Glière’s horn concerto. By Robin Gregory.