REVIEW: Furness Bach Choir, St James's Church, Barrow
IN BACH'S St Matthew Passion, the dramatic story of the last days of Jesus's life is told by the Evangelist, sung most effectively by Ian Honeyman. 
Benjamin Bevan sang the role of Jesus splendidly, and other characters were ably played by members of the choir. The intervening arias, also sung by choir members, showed the wealth of talent that lies within its ranks. 
This performance was remarkable in that each end of the church had its own choir and orchestra, with dramatic effects in the choruses, and in the chorales they were often joined by the bright, clear voices of Croftlands Junior School Choir.
The Holborne Players led by Peter Fender are a talented Baroque orchestra playing the period instruments prescribed by Bach and this added greatly to the enjoyment of the concert. 
It was good to hear Bach's work sung in the original German, and all the performers, including the children, seemed perfectly at home with the language. 
It is a massive work needing expert control of these divided forces, and this was provided by the choir's musical director Anthony Milledge. It was no longer a conductor directing the performers from his desk, but rather keeping together and shaping the music from both ends of the church – a marathon task – and he is to be congratulated for the quality of the performance so obviously enjoyed by the large and appreciative audience.
ALAN BOLT