Report from ‘Feel the Spirit’ 29th November 2025
On a dreary wet afternoon, what better way could there be to cheer your spirits than to immerse yourself in joyful and uplifting music. Stour Choral Society provided just the tonic at their concert on Saturday 29th November. ‘Feel the Spirit’ is John Rutter’s arrangement of seven American spirituals, ranging from sombre and reflective (Steal Away, Deep River, Motherless Child) to exuberant and jazz inspired (I got a robe, When the saints go marching in). Admiration goes to soloist, Anna Maria Rose, whose sensitive and dramatic interpretation of the different movements was quite wonderful. Anna’s performance was backed by the choir, equally invested in creating atmosphere, channelling a range of emotions from deep sorrow through hope to joy and elation. Recognition also to Stephen Smith for his skilful organ playing and electronic orchestral arrangements, and to Glenn Relf whose drums added greatly to the whole feel of the concert.
The second half comprised more seasonal music- Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas carols, ‘Seeing the Star’ by Ben Ponniah, and ‘Christmastide’ by Bob Chilcott, among others, as well as solos by Anna Maria Rose (O holy Night- beautiful!) and Nick Rayner, who performed a very amusing rendition of ‘Miss Hooligan’s Christmas cake’. The audience also became stars of the show singing their carols with great enthusiasm. Audience comments about the concert included- ‘magical and festive’, ‘Absolutely amazing’, ‘very emotional’, ‘uplifting and joyful’, and ‘loved every minute’
Congratulations as always to Susanna Rose, musical director, for bringing together another superb performance by Stour Choral Society. Thanks also to Natalie Leaver who turned pages, and the whole SCS Committee and helpers, without whom nothing would happen smoothly, if at all, and to our hosts at Mistley Church who are so accommodating as we take over the church for several days.
Our next concert will be on April 25th 2026 when we will be singing the ‘Mozart Requiem’. If you would like to sing with us please get in touch by emailing . We welcome new members, especially the lower voices!