A Joyful Baroque Evening in Ruddington

At the start of the concert in St Peter’s Church, Ruddington, Musical Director Paul Hayward promised an evening of joyful music — a promise fulfilled with elegance and musical depth by the Ruddington & District Choral Society and the Ruddington Chamber Ensemble.

Purcell’s Baroque Brilliance

The concert opened with a vibrant celebration of England’s Baroque master, Henry Purcell. The first half featured a series of his sacred and secular works, carefully curated to highlight his genius.

• "Welcome to all Pleasures" – A festive anthem written for St Cecilia’s Day, appropriately opening the evening.
• "Music for a While" – A lyrical, haunting solo from the play Oedipus, composed in 1692.
• "Rondeau from Abdelazar" – Performed by the Ensemble, this instrumental interlude showcased a stirring, quintessentially English tone.

Choral Mastery in “I was Glad”

Purcell’s complex and majestic setting of Psalm 122, composed for the coronation of James II, was a highlight. Intricate vocal lines and interweaving melodies transported the audience to Restoration England, thanks to the choir’s remarkable cohesion and authenticity in performance.

Shakespeare and Sacred Joy

• "If Music be the Food of Love" – A solo setting of Shakespeare’s text from Twelfth Night, exploring the ecstasy of love and music.
• "Rejoice in the Lord Alway" (The Bell Anthem) – This closing piece of the first half merged celebratory fervor with lyrical grace, cementing Purcell’s place as a Baroque titan.

Haydn’s Jubilant “Te Deum”

The second half began with Joseph Haydn’s "Te Deum", written in honor of Emperor Francis II as a thanksgiving for Nelson’s victory over Napoleon. The Choir and Ensemble captured its soaring, triumphant spirit with verve.

Boyce’s Charming Interlude

The Ensemble next performed William Boyce’s Symphony No. 1, affectionately nicknamed “The Little Symphony.” It provided a charming, lyrical contrast — a light-hearted jewel of the English Baroque repertoire.

Grand Finale: Mozart’s Coronation Mass

A Celestial Conclusion

The evening concluded with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Coronation Mass”, a powerful and transcendent work that left a lasting impression. As audience members sat absorbed, the choir and ensemble’s commitment shone through every phrase.

The sheer joy and focus were evident not only in the audience’s quiet awe but also in the expressive, enthusiastic faces of the performers, particularly during the grand, emotionally charged moments of the Mass.

Performers and Leadership: The Pillars of the Concert

Paul Hayward and Michael Overbury’s Direction

The distinct change in sound between the Purcell-focused first half and the Classical richness of the second half demonstrated the directors’ musical sensitivity and deep understanding. Hayward’s artistic vision, coupled with Michael Overbury’s musical leadership, was instrumental in evoking the nuances and spirit of each composer’s era.

The Soloists: Voices from the Divine

• Hope Pugh (Mezzo) – Delivered depth and musicality with commanding richness.
• Grace Bale (Soprano) – Offered soaring, transcendent vocals that elevated the evening.
• Philip Leech (Tenor) and William Burn (Bass) – Both brought gravitas, resonance, and masterful presence to the works.

Final Reflections: A Night to Remember

This concert was more than a musical event — it was an immersive journey into the soul of Baroque and Classical music. Full of joy, subtlety, and grace, it was a rare experience that reminded all present of the enduring power of great music.

In a quiet English village on a spring evening, Paul Hayward, Michael Overbury, and a superb cast of musicians turned a small parish church into a cathedral of culture and beauty. The audience was not merely entertained but transformed — uplifted by a night of exquisite music-making.

See original review by Tony Beale on RDCS facebook group page.