03/04/2026
A lovely review of our St James’ concert from Sam Norman.
St. James’ Church in Barrow hosted a memorable concert on Saturday 28th March performed by Furness Bach Choir and the musicians of the Ensemble Laus Deo. The programme showcased the transition of choral styles from a teacher to his student.
The concert-goers came in very good number, and being somewhat windswept from the blustery conditions outside, were delighted by the pre-heated pews. The lofty space of St. James’ managed to serve as both a haven from the elements and the scene of a storm, as in the first half we were treated to Franz Joseph Haydn’s madrigal Der Sturm, along with two Motets: Insanae et vanae curae (‘insane and vain worries’) and Te Deum.
The choir and musicians produced an impressive, rich sound, the ominous, threatening moments melting beautifully into the lyrical passages. Particularly memorable was the arresting middle section of the Te Deum, a haunting visit into the minor key, which conductor Alex Robinson made breathe with panged soulfulness.
A glass of wine at half time and then it was the turn of Haydn’s student. Beethoven’s Mass in C Major contains some themes that he would later rework into his 4th and 7th Symphonies, and the dramatic variations in colour and texture were showcased beautifully by the choir and orchestra, and by the four marvellous soloists: Rachel Little (soprano) Rebecca Barry (mezzo), Jonah Halton (tenor) and Henry Page (bass). The quartet sections of the Credo were particularly sublime.
The Mass concluded with a delicate, peaceful Agnus Dei, which left the audience with the spiritual sustenance to face the peaceless outside once more.
