On the evening of 6th December, Storm Darragh was just arriving on the Isle of Wight, with its driving rain and strong winds. But no one who is familiar with the pleasure of hearing the Tritone Singers would be deterred by a mere storm from going out to hear their Christmas concert!
Indeed, the Methodist church in Ryde was full, with audience members leaving behind the wild weather and the turmoils of the outside world for the peace and serenity of the evening’s music.
A diverse programme
Every year the concert is different – in the wide range of pieces, new and familiar; and every year it’s the same – in the exceptionally high standard of the singing. This year, composers ranged from Bach to Vaughan Williams and to several from the 21st century.
Two different versions of In the Bleak Midwinter were included, one of which included a beautifully sung solo by soprano Helen Mansfield. The other, composed by Richard Wilkins, musical director of the Tritone Singers.
Communication is key
Communication is always a big part of the experience: Between the choir members, in their awareness of each other and the balance of their blended voices. Between conductor and choir; skill, hard work and firm discipline behind it all but fun and spontaneity as well.
And communication with the audience, as Richard introduces the pieces and encourages everyone to join in several well known carols and even to participate in some new pieces.
Reflective, as well as humourous
Of course, with the theme of the evening being the mystery of the Christmas story, many of the pieces are quietly reflective and serious, often highlighting this choir’s outstanding ability to sing breathtakingly softly.
But humour was certainly prominent in the second half, with the performance of the very clever ‘Journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas’.
An entertaining, witty journey
With Michele Brock – the choir’s accompanist and so much more than accompanist – playing the piano, it was an entertaining, witty journey through diverse musical traditions from the sixth century onwards, with pastiches of Vivaldi, Beethoven, Wagner and eight others.
50th Anniversary
For Tritone Singers, this was a year of significant anniversaries. It is 50 years since Tritone was founded – by Brian Northcott, who died recently at the age of 80.
And at the end of the concert Richard was presented with a gift celebrating this his 75th concert (there are usually three a year) as Music Director.
2025 concert
After a reminder to buy tickets for next year’s Christmas concert, on 13th December 2025, it was out into Storm Darragh again and back to the sad awareness of a world which could learn so much from the harmony, peace and beauty which the audience experienced this evening.
News shared by Ros on behalf of Tritone Singers. Ed
