Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Venue: St Mary’s Church, Ely
Programme: St Cecilia Mass – (Gounod, arr. Rudd), Cantique de Jean Racine (Fauré), Cecilia Virgo (Philips), Her Sacred Spirit Soars (Whitacre);
Featuring: Ely Consort with Matthew Rudd (Conductor), Anne Reece (Piano), The Euston Quartet
If you want to hear superb music, go to a concert by Ely Consort. Their concert on Saturday night in St Mary’s Church was sublime. The choir was magnificent, every part well-balanced and the challenges that were put into place, specially when the choir was split into two choirs, were very well met. Each part had a rich timbre that produced a beautiful, combined sound even in the most complex of fabrics. This was highlighted in Caecilia Virgo by Peter Philips. Sing Gently by Eric Whitacre was, as the title suggests, an exquisite, gentle composition of combined voices. By way of contrast, Her Sacred Voices by Eric Whitacre had great moments of excitement, complexity and a tremendous climax at the end.
The concert opened with a rarely-heard St Cecilia Mass which was astutely arranged by the conductor, Matthew Rudd. There were some glorious episodes, especially in the quieter reverend moments that often contained attractive lyrical melodies. Under the phenomenal directorship of Matthew Rudd, every phrase was carefully sculptured so that the meaning of the words could be reflected in the sounds so meticulously controlled. Contrasts added to the heightened emotions that were evident especially in the Credo.
The Euston String Quartet was excellent. The players synchronised with each other perfectly. They accompanied the choir with resonance and vigour. When they played the first and fourth movements from Haydn String Quartet in G major, Op.76, they quickly moved into Haydn’s light-hearted style seamlessly.
Anne Reece on piano played delightfully throughout the evening coming into her element when accompanying the final piece, Music Down in my Soul by Moses Hogan.
The highlights of the evening must be the familiar Cantique de Jean Racine by Gabriel Faure and Music Down in my Soul arranged by Moses Hogan. The Faure piece was infused with tender warmth and gorgeous harmonies. The spiritual arranged by Moses Hogan, reached times when it was difficult to sit still it was so rapturous and rhythmical, inspired in a way only known to spirituals. It was enhanced by the delightful virtuosic piano accompaniment.
This was an excellent concert. The next one will be on Saturday 6th December 7.30 p.m. at Chatteris Parish Church when Ely Consort will be accompanying the Medlock Sinfonia for their Christmas Concert. For more information email [email protected].
Review: Rosemary Westwell
Photos: Chris Barton
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