Clacton Choral Society's spring concert a major hit

The Clacton Choral Society – a choir of about 70 people from the Tendring area – held their spring concert on April 12 at St James’ Church.

The afternoon event features choral music by Fauré, Saint-Saëns, Duruflé, Schubert, and John Rutter with the choir performing with “warm and sincerity”.

The centrepiece of the concert was John Rutter’s Requiem, a reflective and lyrical work which also demands clarity and precision from singers.

The choir was also supported by a “superb" instrumental ensemble featuring young musicians.

Ensemble - The choir was also supported by an instrumental ensemble (Image: Submitted) The concert was further enriched by the inclusion of guest performers including soprano soloist Leila Saleh who as well as impressing with her solos, added “a graceful presence” to the Rutter performance.

BBC Young Musician of the Year finalist Joshua Gearing also performed with his premier piece ‘Eastern Prayer’ being a memorable highlight of the concert.

Joshua also has a “three-generational” connection with Clacton with his mother Pippa being a musician who runs the Jupiter Signers in both Frinton and London.

John Collins, Joshua’s grandfather, was also associated with Jack Watling in the early days of the Frinton Summer Repertory Theatre.

While John’s wife Caryll, a professional singer and the musical director of Clacton Choral, also performed at the spring concert.