Haverhill Singers earn praise from Les Misérables cast member following its latest concert

A professional performer from the world-famous musical Les Misérables was among those to heap praise on the latest concert given by Haverhill Singers.

Steven Hall, who played Grantaire in the world tour of Les Misérables, was one of three professional 'musical actors' among the audience at the West End Congregational Church, Haverhill, for the choir’s concert, a Passion for Easter.

The Singers chair, Celia Mathews, said Mr Hall got in touch after the show, when he told her: “The Haverhill Singers continue to perform their concerts with seamless professionalism.

”I have attended several concerts over the past three years and yesterday’s concert was no exception.

“The 30 plus voices that make up the choir in concert fused together beautifully and produced such a thrilling sound that I had to fight the temptation to applaud every individual number despite the fact I had been advised not to do this until the end!!!

“I left the West End Congregational Church feeling both inspired and re-educated in the Easter story.”

The choir performed chorales and choruses from JS Bach’s St John’s Passion.

In between choral pieces choir member Roma Fowler-Holmes narrated the story of the betrayal, persecution and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Celia also conveyed the observations made by other audience members, saying: “I was accosted by numerous members of the audience as I left the church to go to the buffet in the adjoining hall.

“The congratulations were so numerous it took over 20 minutes to walk the 30 steps from one place to the other!!

“It seemed there were not enough adjectives in our language to cover the emotions generated by our interpretation of St John’s Passion.”

Comments included the following:

incredible energy and stamina

high standard of professionalism in coordination and presentation

powerful, impeccable narration

excellent musicality/musicianship

thought provoking and moving

sound quality better than ever

best concert yet

The choir’s musical director, Dr Matthew Olyver, told its members: “Congratulations on your exceptional musical performance.

“You captured the divine essence of SJP. The chorales were especially impressive, demonstrating both micro and macro understanding of phrasing combined with confident dynamics and 'shaping'.

“The complex choruses were largely executed with a fluency and skill far beyond what would typically be expected of an amateur choir.

“I eagerly anticipate forthcoming rehearsals for our summer concert.”