Review of Ely Choral Society’s American Independence Day concert in St Mary’s Church on 4th July 2026

I waited to find out what was in the programme for ‘United States at 250’ and to my delight, the astute director, Andrew Parnell, chose all good American music or at least relevant to America, but none of ‘the usuals’ – the ones chosen were far more interesting.

The concert opened with Alleluia, a reasonably well-known composition by the American composer Randall Thompson. The choir was excellent. Its gorgeous close harmony, polished balance, and well-developed expression made it a most beautiful composition quite fitting as an introduction to this concert. This was followed by Simple Gifts, a Shaker song arranged by Aaron Copland. We know the tune well as I Danced in the Morning. Glen Dempsey showed his expertise as an accompanist in this piece as he accompanied on the piano. The whole effect was charming. Long Time Ago was also arranged by Copland and was a much slower, contemplative performance leaning carefully on the words – quite delightful.

For something completely different: a movement from Bernstein’s Mass followed, in the guise of Gloria Tibi, with soloist Charles Schneider and bongo drums played by Matt Jolly. Then came a long piano introduction to one of the most beautiful contributions for the evening: Slumber Song by Stephen Foster. Unaccompanied and not without its challenging harmonies, O Magnum Mysterium by a more recent composer, Lauridsen, was sung with confidence and meaningful expression. Glen moved to play the organ and accompanied Be Glad Then America by Billings. Although an earlier work, it contained unusual drama and excitement at times, yet also expressed feelings that ranged from the mournful to the fearful or triumphant.

Choose Something Like a Star by Thompson began the second half of the programme. Singers and pianist brought out the fascinating differences in texture and expression, and the running O star theme well. Beautiful Dreamer by Foster is a very well-known tune and the choir sang it beautifully. Another very well-known tune, Amazing Grace followed, but this time it was arranged by our own Sir John Rutter. His arrangements are inevitably appealing, and this was no exception. The performance was splendid. The choir moved to surround the audience and the blessing that ended the concert in the form of Go Ye Now in Peace by Eilers was a delightful, calm ending to a wonderful concert.

Ely Choral Society’s next event, a Remembrance Concert including Requiem by Grayston Ives, will be on Saturday November 7th 2026. For more information about how to join the choir or about forthcoming concerts contact www.elychoralsociety.org.

Rosemary Westwell Ely Standard