If Diana Moore is not the finest mezzo soprano to sing in Chichester Cathedral then, at the very least, she is equal to the very best.
Acting as the "story teller" in Aaron Copelands's beautiful work, In the Beginning, she sung the mezzo-soprano lead role telling the story of the seven days of the creation in the words of the book of Genesis.
Accompanied by Ex Cathedra,one of th
e finest specialist choirs in the UK Diana Moore's voice was absolutely captivating and beguiling filling the Cathedral with a most joyful and happy sound.
In one of the best interpretations I have heard, Ex Cathedra presented Maurice Durufle's Requiem which was a time of musical perfection.
Under the masterly direction of Jeffrey Skidmore, Ex Cathedra sung with total unanimity giving each word crystal clear clarity. Exceptionally beautiful was the Gregorian chant style and the quality tenors and basses. The important organ contribution to the Requiem was given by Alexander Mason.
In the programme of French and American choral works, Morton Lauridsen's setting of Rainer Rilke's poems on roses contained the best of both nations. With sensuous words and serenely exquisite music, this work was one of the many highlights of the excellent concert.
Graham Hewitt
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