Concert Information - Concert Review  Summer 2013

Fiesta de la Musica
Paddock Wood Choral Society
Saturday 22 June 2013.  St Andrew’s Church – Paddock Wood


The sounds and rhythms of Latin America were brought to life in this concert on Saturday evening. It was a reflection of a vibrant musical community, involving not only the Paddock Wood Choral Society conducted by the inimitable Adrian Pitts, but also Mascalls Samba Band, the TGS Swing Band and Choirs from both Paddock Wood and Brenchley & Matfield Primary Schools.

The Samba Band made a dramatic entrance from behind the audience. 

Their combination of Leader Neil’s whistle and the Band’s drums beating out insistent dance rhythms set the Fiesta scene most effectively.

Ariel Ramirez’s Misa Criolla was ably performed by the Choral Society with guest tenor Pablo Strong. By turns haunting, joyful, vivid, serene and evocative this piece spoke of the varied landscapes, folk music and religious beliefs of South America.

Particularly striking were the interweaving of the tenor and the choirs’ voices in the Credo.

Flamenco guitar player Clive Harvey held the audience spellbound with his performance, using many different techniques to convey the guitar’s versatility.

It was easy to imagine dancers clapping and stamping in time to his music.


The Brenchley & Matfield School Ensemble were next to enchant us with their polished and confident delivery of Guantanamera and Viva la Musica. An auditioned girls’ and boys’ choir, they displayed a joyful enthusiasm for singing in duets and in chorus. 

During an interval for refreshments served by the Choral Society there was an opportunity to view the Latin American Art Competition winning entries whose vivid colours and patterns mirrored the evening’s music so well.

The TGS Swing Band launched the concert’s second half in impressive style. Three songs featuring jazz, mambo, salsa and rumba rhythms were played with gusto by its members on wind, brass, percussion and piano. Featured soloists performed with enthusiasm and skill.

The‘Alleluia’ from Jean Berger’s Brazilian Psalm was sensitively sung by the Choral Society.

Its changing dynamics conveyed the approach, passing and departure of a musical Procession. 

Dressed in white and black, the Paddock Wood Primary School Choir impressed not only in their obvious love of singing together, but also in their imaginative choreography of Are you afraid of the dark? Their only boy was effectively scary at the end!

Leonard Bernstein’s America allowed the Choral Society to enjoy playing the parts of Americans or Puerto Ricans vying noisily for musical supremacy. 

Laughter and pleasure were evident both in the choir and in the audience’s reaction.

A Grand Finale performance of El Condor Pasa arranged by Adrian Pitts and featuring all the singers and players brought a most enjoyable Concert to a truly Carnival finish.

Linda Young.