Bude Choral Society continued their impressive run of recent concerts at St Michael’s Church before yet another packed audience. They added to their kudos by successfully inviting the composer of one of their pieces to attend, who gave his wholehearted support for the choir’s performance.

Clive Jenkins, the composer of The Mayflower Pilgrims, appeared delighted at the choir’s rendition of his cantata, and joined the audience in their appreciation of his work.

Bude Choral Society’s (BCS) concert was to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Edward Elgar’s birth. Shirley Tyack performed his Sea Pictures which continued the nautical theme of The Mayflower Pilgrims. Under the baton of John Hobbs, who has been the Musical Director of BCS for 32 years, the choir confirmed their status as being one of the foremost choirs in the County.

The first performance of The Mayflower Pilgrims took place in 2005 at St Andrew’s Church in Plymouth where the Pilgrim Fathers had worshiped 400 years previously before embarking on their momentous voyage.

It is a cantata in 13 sections with the choir alternating with the baritone soloist, sung by John Hobbs, throughout.

The words come from two main sources, one of which is William Bradford’s “History of Plimouth Plantation” (c1651) - a first hand account of the Atlantic crossing. Bradford’s narrative is presented by the baritone soloist with the choir adding its own commentary through Psalms and hymns.

The choir then embarked on Elgar’s The Music Makers. They had performed this piece some ten years previously and once again they rose to the occasion with their performance. The choir sang with their usual vigor and they succeeded exceedingly well with the variations in tempo and modulations that this composition provides.

Shirley Tyack sang the contralto solos and she gelled perfectly with the choir. David Robinson once again proved master of the keyboard and he enhanced the choir’s performance throughout the evening.
Bruce Burley, a local member of the Elgar Society, kindly presented his collection of Elgar memorabilia, which included many pieces of interest.

Mr Burley will be introducing “A Journey Through Elgar’s Life and Music” at St Andrew’s Church, Stratton on Wednesday 20th June.

For once BCS did not provide their usual sumptuous repast after the performance but relied on the audience being sated by their consummate performance. The choir’s next concerts are Saturday 17th November - “A Selection of Choral Classics” and Wednesday 12th December “In the Mood for Christmas” with Metric Brass.