While a couple of decades ago the word choir may have brought to mind stuffy scenes of Sunday’s Songs of Praise, in the past ten years group singing has had quite a reputation change. Not only does group singing increase wellbeing and happiness, it has also been shown to release neurochemicals that aid in pain-relief. With this in mind, as the autumn sets in, Frances Danylec went along to check out the Nottingham Harmonic Choir, and learn about their nearly 170 year history…
The cheery music director welcomes everyone to the Albert Hall on Derby Road, and opens with a line that sends a ripple of laughter across the room. Around me, people from all walks of life settle in with their wine or a hot drink. A beat of silence falls, before 160 voices burst into chorus accompanied by the vast orchestra. The room is instantly immersed. I’m here to experience one of the gems our city’s live performance scene has to offer: the Nottingham Harmonic Choir.
“I often forget they’re an amateur choir,” says regular audience member, Jamie Duff, of Sneinton. “Their standard of performance is so high.” Each member is auditioned (and re-auditioned every five years), and they perform alongside professional soloists and some of the UK’s top orchestras. Their impressive track record includes working with the BBC Concert Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hallé. They have even provided the backing choir in a concert with ELO.
The choir’s musical director is sought-after conductor and violinist Richard Laing, who regularly prepares choirs for the nation’s top orchestras and has collaborated with a diverse range of cross-over artists, including Alfie Boe and Tim Minchin. Richard’s passion and commitment is evident in the way he conducts and in the warm reception he offers the audience.
The music wordlessly connects me with everyone in the room, but also to Nottingham’s history. This opening sequence has been happening in much the same way for almost 170 years since the choir’s first performance in 1856. Yet it refuses to date; we enjoy it now just as much as we did then. I feel a world away from anything I could stream on my phone (now forgotten on silent in my bag) – being here is something else entirely.
Whilst many of us associate classical music with people from affluent backgrounds, this choir has its roots in the working class. “The foundations of it were to do with the Mechanics Institute, which were a big thing in the 19th century,” explains bass and Chair of the General Committee, Dave Pitt. “Some of what they were doing was to promote culture and education among working people. To this day, we have a proud record of operating as an educational charity.” Present day concerts maintain a down-to-earth vibe, with no audience dress code or expectation of prior knowledge of classical music. Everyone is welcome to just come and enjoy.
When you’re performing, it’s a total body experience. It’s something that you do collectively, we’re all dependent on each other. There’s nowhere else really where you’re going to get those forces working together to create such dramatic power
Having experienced the Harmonic as an audience member, I wonder what it’s like to perform with them? Dave recalls: “I remember the first time I rehearsed the Bach Mass in B Minor, a monumental work. To start with I thought, ‘I can’t cope with this. There’s just too many notes. This is really hard work.’ Until a few weeks into rehearsal, when suddenly it clicked and I began to understand it. From that point onwards, it just took off for me, as being one of the most wonderful things I'd ever worked on. There’s an inner rhythm and energy in the music that isn’t immediately obvious. You’ve got to find it. And having found it as a performer, you’ve then got to project it to your audience, because obviously the audience might only hear it once.”
Anyone curious to capture this buzz for themselves is welcome. Join rehearsals for a few weeks and if it’s for you, you can audition. The process is friendly and feedback is supportive. No subscription fees are paid until after your audition, and membership is free for students. “When you’re performing, it’s a total body experience,” Dave explains. “It’s something that you do collectively, we’re all dependent on each other. There’s nowhere else really where you’re going to get those forces working together to create such dramatic power.”
“We’re dedicated to giving audiences a memorable experience of live music. Creating an atmosphere, a mood, a feeling,” says Dave. “The whole range of emotions that you can experience with a well-crafted piece of choral music is huge.”
And it’s clear they achieve this, as Jamie describes: “Witnessing Nottingham Harmonic in full swing is unforgettable. Their shows are exhilarating and powerful - they’re a real tour de force. I feel extremely fortunate that a choir of their calibre is on my doorstep.”
Indeed, it’s rare, as there are few places in the UK that have choirs of this size and many choral works can only be performed on a large scale. It’s evident our rebel city boasts yet another true gem. A couple of hours have flown by and this mindful and absorbing evening has left me relaxed, replenished and inspired.
Upcoming performances by Nottingham Harmonic Choir include the thrilling and dramatic Mendelssohn’s Elijah on Saturday 15 Nov at the Albert Hall, Handel’s Messiah on Saturday 6 Dec and the Family Carol Concert with Thoresby Colliery Band on Saturday 20 Dec, both at the Royal Concert Hall.
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