Southern Sinfonia has once again excelled in bringing a concert of exceptional music to Taunton's glorious Minster church, spanning the 100 years of music between Holst's "St Paul's Suite", written in 1913, through Finzi's Clarinet Concerto from 1948, and to Matthew Coleridge's "Requiem" from 2014.

A capacity audience enjoyed the familiarity of the Suite, especially the lovely references to Cecil Sharp's collected folk songs of Somerset running throughout the piece.  Emma Johnson's interpretation of Finzi's Concerto was as expected, beautifully performed with verve and emotion - this is clearly a piece which Emma loves to play and at which she excels. 

Matthew Coleridge's "Requiem" has gained a worldwide audience through Classic FM and Southern Sinfonia's recording in 2022.  It is now a great favourite with many for its tender beauty, written soon after becoming a father and feeling the uplifting and life-affirming effect of music. 

The orchestra, with Joseph Spooner on cello, performed as an "embodiment of the soul of the Requiem - not days of judgement and choirs of angels - but a comforting voice in response to our prayers". 

Soprano Sarah Helsby-Hughes was a highlight, supported by Southern Voices, an invited choir which gave a wonderful performance, giving their very best to the charismatic Conductor of the Sinfonia, Simon Chalk.  Their response to his direction was strong, emotional and full blooded, making the appearance at the end of the composer himself, Matthew Coleridge, all the more exciting!  An evening of blissful music and perfect performance.  

On no account miss out on Southern Sinfonia's next performance which will be their 

'Promenade Concert for Taunton - A musical Celebration for Somerset's Garden Town',  on 13th September 2024 at Queens Hall.