‘Since their formation in 2012 Amici Voices have established a reputation for their stylish performances of German Baroque repertoire, particularly in music by Johann Sebastian Bach.
In their second performance of Bach’s Matthew Passion at St John’s Church in Harpenden, they were supported with considerably flair by Amici Baroque Players, an ensemble drawn from many of the UK’s leading historical performers, directed from the harpsichord by Terence Charlston.
From the very opening, the work’s majestic but solemn grandeur was convincingly captures and special mention goes to the members of the ripieno (extra) chorus, placed in an acoustically satisfying position at the far end of the nave.
Amongst Amici’s fine singers the bass Michael Craddock and mezzo soprano Helen Charlston stood out. Plaudits also to the instrumentalists who gave such life to the distinctive 19th-century instrumental sonorities of oboes da caccia and d’amore, Baroque flute and viola da gamba, particularly as soloists in the work’s poignant arias.
Amici Voices, and indeed Harpenden, can be proud of their growing reputation for music-making of such high quality and consistency.
Indeed, the have already started attracting audiences who might normally ventured much further afield to hear such music.’
amicivoices.com 