16/03/2026
Our concert review….
Lymington Choral Society
There was a buzz in Romsey Abbey on Saturday 14 March. Under the baton of Phil Daish-Handy,
the LCS was accompanied by the Nova Foresta Philharmonic. The church was completely packed
with loyal supporters of this great musical team and were treated to a programme of British
music.
The concert opened with Walton’s Crown Imperial, which demonstrated the power of the brass,
strings and percussion sections. Meanwhile the LCS remained seated. Parry’s Jerusalem which
followed; ignited the full ensemble with the choir and orchestra, in full voice, setting the scene for
the main event. Before this, Crossing the Bar, by Parry, was beautifully sung A Capella and to
round off the first half, the orchestra blew the crowd away with Elgar’s Ni**od.
The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins was exquisitely performed and spanned the whole second half of
this performance. In the 12 movements that embody the fury of war and its brutality for all those
who are affected and is balanced with a message of hope to end all wars; the wonderful Soprano,
Hetti Russell-Hayward balanced her role within the emotional framework of this piece, absolutely
brilliantly. Baritone soloist, Colin Howard performed superbly alongside and within the choir, to
similar effect.
The LCS gave an exceptional performance with great dynamic precision and clarity. The tenors
and basses were in front with the altos and sopranos standing above on the grandstand
framework. This layout projected their great sound which filled the Abbey.
The audience thoroughly enjoyed this performance and so did the performers. The great success
of this performance, will in no doubt, draw together huge audiences for future engagements. Their
next performance will take place in St Thomas’ Church, Lymington on Saturday 4 July 2026.
Peter Roper-Curzon
