Stroud News and Journal
Amorata, Feel Your Heart Again
The Space, Stroud, 25th February 2006.
Ambitious concert that deserves wider audience
The audience at The Space was treated to a fine blend of vocal harmony courtesy of Bristol-based singing ensemble, Amorata.
The eight-piece group worked their way through traditional folk songs, opera and show tunes with a professionalism and skill
which merited a far larger audience.
The performance opened with Helen Chadwick’s haunting Gospodi, which saw the singers work their way from the back of the audience
to the stage carrying candles which set the scene for an atmospheric evening.
Each song was subtly staged with a simple set, allowing the voices and fine performing skills of the ensemble to shine through.
It is not always easy for a group to make the transition quickly between widely varying styles of music,
but Amorata managed it with aplomb. The highlights came at the end of each half.
A medley of favourites from Les Miserables left the audience keen for more just before the interval.
A stunning rendition of Sarah McLachlan’s Angel brought the show to an emotional ending.
It was only a pity that the audience pleas for an encore seemed to fall on deaf ears.
It must be hoped that Amorata will return to Stroud with their new production, billed for this autumn.
