Report on ‘Mozart Requiem’ Saturday 25th April 2026

Wow! What a wonderful concert! On a beautiful spring day, Stour Choral Society’s performance of ‘Mozart’s Requiem’ was ‘outstanding’. Several audience members claimed it was the finest they had heard the choir sing. It was well rehearsed, and the Choir gave their collective all – with a ‘strong and balanced’ presentation, bringing ‘life, depth and colour’ to Mozart’s moving final Work.

Huge congratulations to the soloists, Anna Rose (soprano) Joanna Arnold (contralto) Daniel Joy (tenor) and Peter Grevatt (bass), whose voices were a pleasure to listen to, both individually, and beautifully blended in the ‘Benedictus’ and ‘Recordare’.

Our Organist Stephen Smith provided the accompaniment with his accustomed skill and hard work in providing the orchestration, and in addition was celebrated for achieving 50 years of playing for, and occasionally conducting, Stour Choral Society.

A big thank-you to Glenn Relf for playing the timpani, enhancing the dramatic feel of the music and providing a lovely addition to the organ registrations.

Recognition and admiration as always to Susanna Rose for creating another stunning performance, coaching and leading the choir with skill and feeling, despite the set-back of breaking her conducting wrist early in the term. Many thanks to Vanda Roberts who kindly stepped in to take rehearsals at the time.

Grateful thanks to the team of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to organise the concerts and ensure they run smoothly, and to our hosts at Mistley Church, our guest choristers, John Favell, Roy Everett and Nick Rayner and our page turner, Natalie Leaver.

Lastly but most importantly, thanks to our ‘Friends’ and audience who show up faithfully to see our concerts, and to the many others coming to see us for the first time. We are lucky to have a growing audience to fill up the church and appreciate the music and to make all the practicing worthwhile.