Review: Chichester University Baroque Orchestra with Red Priest

8 April

‘Truly, Madly, Baroque’ was the second concert to be sponsored with the Chichester music Society and Red Priest, who had agreed to work with the Baroque Orchestra of the University of Chichester. 

Red Priest has been at the cutting edge of baroque music performance over the past half century. Founded by Piers Adams [recorder] and Julia Bishop [violin], Red Priest is known for high energy performances, boundary crossing arrangements and theatrical presentation.

They did not disappoint, and the audience again showed their enthusiasm with frequent lengthy applause throughout this concert, whose nickname was taken from the lovely theme from Bach’s Adagio in B Flat. 

The first half of the programme was given by Red Priest and devoted to music by Vivaldi (The ‘Red Priest’), Bach, Handel, Telemann and Corelli. The well chosen programme gave opportunities for each member of the ensemble to shine in their solo’s, sizzle , in the case of piers Adams, who’s mastery of the wide range of recorders played, continues to amaze and delight audiences!

In the second half, Red Priest was joined by members of the University’s Baroque Orchestra, led by Julia Bishop. Most notable here perhaps were David Wright’s improvisation in Bach’s 5th Brandenburg Concerto and student Verity Lawrence’s outstanding obligato cello playing in the Vivaldi’s C major ‘Flautino’ concerto, rising to the challenge of Piers brilliant solo Flautino recorder playing.

As in last year’s concert, the students produced an admirably eloquent sound, and, with Piers Adams at his best, the audience were again thoroughly entertained, and very appreciative.