Testimonials - What people say about us!

"Incredible performance of Handel Messiah by Worcester Festival Choral Society. We were blown away. A wonderful performance. Glorious!" Candia McKormack, Editor, Cotswold Life (Handel Messiah, December 2023) 

"It was a thrill to perform to a full-to-capacity Cathedral. What a scintillating performance!" James Oldfield, baritone (Handel Messiah, December 2023)

"What great control Samuel Hudson had over tempo changes during the Worcester Festival Choral Society Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem performance. Passages of liturgical majesty got unleashed from chorus and orchestra under his direction. The subtleties in Brahms' score accumulated into a very spellbinding musical effect. ...Many audience members may only feel the need to congratulate all singers on this occasion for singing the German words of this large scale work with this level of discipline." Lucas Ball, Reviewer, classicalmusicdaily.com (Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem, November 2023)

"I was absolutely thrilled to return to Worcester to join WFCS for their candlelit Messiah this year. This choir seems to go from strength to strength and it was wonderful to hear them perform this masterpiece with such vitality and sensitivity under Samuel Hudson’s baton and supported by the fabulous playing of the Meridian Sinfonia. A truly joyous start to the festive season!" Tom Robson, tenor (Handel Messiah, December 2022) 

"Congratulations on your wonderful concert on Saturday. Conductor, chorus, soloists and orchestra on top form. A memorable performance!" TH, audience member (Delius Sea Drift / Vaughan Williams A Sea Symphony, November 2022) 

"I was bowled over by the high standard of the performance of both pieces and the choir and the orchestra and the soloists." TW, The Delius Society (Delius Sea Drift / Vaughan Williams A Sea Symphony, November 2022) 

"This was a masterful performance... the choir clearly on top form, the result was an evening of pure joy... the power and control of the choir throughout was what really stood out and will live long in the memory. It really was a triumphant return in this, their 160th year. Congratulations to all." Ross Crawford, editor, Redditch Standard (Handel Messiah, December 2021) (Full review: https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/lifestyle/messiah-marks-a-stunning-return-to-performance-for-choral-society-34143/) 

"It was a great pleasure to join WFCS for their recent performance of Messiah and I thank them for their warm welcome. Under the direction of Samuel Hudson the choir sang with passion and energy and gave an especially uplifting performance of the final 'Amen' to finish the evening." James Birchall, bass-baritone (Handel Messiah, December 2021) 

"It was such a pleasure to perform to such a full Cathedral, and such an appreciative audience. A great evening, ​and the choir sounded on fantastic form. A thrilling final Amen! Thanks for having me." Daniel Joy, tenor (Handel Messiah, December 2021)

"What a great performance by the wonderful choir and superb soloists! Under the expert baton of Samuel Hudson it made for a memorable evening." John & Marie-Anne C., audience members (Handel Messiah, December 2019)

"I thoroughly enjoyed performing Messiah with WFCS. It's always a pleasure to work with Samuel Hudson, and it was a treat to hear my fellow soloists, the choir and the orchestra on such sparkling form. A wonderful evening. Thank you for inviting me to sing with you, for your warm welcome and your kind hospitality." Joyce Tindsley, mezzo soprano (Handel Messiah, December 2019)

"It was an absolutely wonderful evening and very much appreciated. Lovely to see it well supported and the performers deserved the standing ovation!" Nic Sprosen, audience member (Willcocks Lux Perpetua / Mozart Requiem, November 2019) 

"So lovely to have sung with WCFS on Saturday 16th November! What a wonderful occasion it was!" Jennifer Westwood, mezzo soprano (Willcocks Lux Perpetua / Mozart Requiem, November 2019)

"What a fabulous concert, loved Lux Perpetua, hauntingly beautiful, poignant and totally fitting for Remembrance." S.Coombs, audience member (Willcocks Lux Perpetua / Mozart Requiem, November 2019)

“On behalf of myself and my two guests, thank you to all who organise these great events. They really enjoyed getting a taste for the choir I enjoy being part of every Monday. They were impressed of course with the cathedral and pleased with Sam’s structured day. They were also struck by how welcoming everyone was. An enjoyable day, and one for WCFS to be proud of!” Rob E, chorus member and participant in Come & Sing (Beethoven Mass in C workshop, April 2019) 

"I was in the audience for Elijah. It was wonderful. The soloists superb. Orchestra really tight under the maestro Christopher Allsop and most excellent chorus. Congratulations to you all." C.Causier, audience member (Mendelssohn Elijah, March 2019)

"It was a brilliant performance. I look forward to the next one!" G.Griffiths, audience member (Mendelssohn Elijah, March 2019)

"Thank you for having me. It was a wonderful concert; hugely powerful in every sense. Do please pass on my thanks!" Edward Seymour, Bass (Mendelssohn Elijah, March 2019) 

“WOW! Well what can I say, that was absolutely FANTASTIC! You all raised the roof it was so moving, powerful and rousing, absolutely beautiful! So impressed with your amazing choir. The soloists were fabulous. And the orchestra just brilliant. Thank you a million for the most wonderful evening, we all thoroughly enjoyed it.” Nicola, Geoff, Pauline and Derek, audience members (Handel Messiah, December 2018)

“On Saturday I was entertained by the Worcester Festival Choral Society at a concert in the cathedral. Can I take the opportunity to say it was a fantastic spectacle and an evening full of high quality music.” Cllr. Jabbar Riaz, Mayor of Worcester 2018/19, audience member (Poulenc Gloria / Vaughan Williams Hodie, November 2018)

"I loved singing Vaughan-Williams “Hodie”, in its birthplace, with the fantastic Worcester Festival Choral Society. Fabulous choir, sublime choristers, thrilling orchestra and wonderful fellow soloists: an unforgettable evening. Thank you Worcester." Alex Ashworth, bass-baritone, Vaughan Williams Hodie (November 2018)

"It was a total joy as ever to sing The Creation with you all - one of my all time favourite pieces; and BRAVO! to our conductor, Christopher Allsop, who stood in at 48 hours notice to conduct the piece for the first time...quite a task!" Sarah Fox, soprano, Haydn The Creation (March 2018)

"A terrifically spirited performance of Haydn's wonderfully colourful Creation... it was a privilege to take part." John Bowen, tenor, Haydn The Creation (March 2018)

"What a brilliant performance of Haydn's Creation this evening at Worcester Cathedral by Worcester Festival Choral Society. Beautiful singing and wonderful music. Thank you to all involved." Steve Mackay, Mayor of Worcester UK 2017/18, audience member, Haydn The Creation (March 2018)

"It was wonderful. A great start for Christmas - and before the snow came too. Well done Worcester Choral!" JH, audience member, Handel Messiah (December 2017)

“A most difficult work for a one-day sing, but an amazing challenge, and an incredible thanks to Chris for guiding us through and to Mark for amazing accompaniment, enhanced by young expert soloists.” WFCS member, participant in 'Come and Sing' Dream of Gerontius workshop day (April 2017)

“Perfect – wonderful musical experience, great conductor & accompanist with such enthusiasm and humour.  Fantastic organisation – cakes particularly appreciated.” David B., participant in 'Come and Sing' Dream of Gerontius workshop day (April 2017)

“It was such a pleasure to return to Worcester Festival Choral Society for Messiah this year. The choir is in such great shape, singing so musically and confidently, it was wonderful to sit back and enjoy your performance. As ever, you took great care of me and the other soloists. Thank you for your wonderful music and hospitality.” Clare McCaldin, mezzo-soprano, Handel Messiah (December 2016)

“It was a pleasure to be parachuted into Worcester on Saturday. The atmosphere was so friendly and cooperative, and the choir sang with style and panache.” Lucy Bowen, soprano, Handel Messiah (December 2016)

“I thoroughly enjoyed the concert, it always a great pleasure to come back and sing in my home county. I hope I have the pleasure of singing with you again before too long.” Nathan Vale, tenor, Handel Messiah (December 2016)

“I really enjoyed performing the Nelson Mass with Worcester Festival Choral Society in Worcester Cathedral. It was a real joy to perform the work with such an accomplished choir and orchestra. Huge thanks to Peter Nardone for letting the music 'speak for itself' and for providing so much fun and warmth during the rehearsal and the performance.”  Andrew De Silva, baritone, Haydn Nelson Mass (November 2016)

“I had the pleasure of joining Worcester Festival Chorus for Haydn’s Nelson Mass in their 2016-17 season. It’s hard to imagine a better atmosphere for music making than is cultivated by Dr. Nardone; congenial, relaxed and total commitment to the music. Having performed the piece extensively as a chorister, I felt a pang of jealousy as the sopranos soared over the ‘Amen’ of the Credo. A rousing performance followed by wonderful hospitality. Thank-you!” Ruairi Bowen, tenor, Haydn Nelson Mass (November 2016)

“Great to sing with WFCS again and a privilege to sit beside the wonderful Sarah Fox. The choir is clearly in great shape and made a magnificent noise in the cathedral. Bravo to all concerned, especially Peter Nardone of course!” Susanna Spicer, mezzo-soprano, Haydn Nelson Mass (November 2016)

"It was a pleasure to support the Festival Chorus and to be so richly entertained in the Cathedral. The setting in front of the Quire and the intriguing, serene Lux Aeterna contrasting with Hadyn's stunning Nelson Mass made for a memorable evening. The energy of the Choral Society, both in performance and in constructing such a super concert is to be admired. The Meridian Orchestra and the choice of soloists under conductor Peter Nardone gave the audience an evening to remember. The Worcester Festival Choral Society deserve much credit for their significant contribution to the cultural fabric of the City and the county." Jim and Margaret P., concert attendees (November 2016)

“A wonderful day. We are particularly impressed with Peter Nardone's style of conducting and approach. Thank you for a very enjoyable day!” Anne and Mark P., participants in Singalongelijah 'Come and Sing' workshop day (April 2016)

“Stimulating and challenging. Excellent use of rehearsal time - nice smattering of humour and stories, but musical focus was never lost. Good opportunity to meet other local singers.” Carol S., participant in Singalongelijah 'Come and Sing' workshop day (April 2016)

“As a newish singer, I had a fabulous day. I shall certainly return. Thank you!” Mary H., participant in Singalongelijah 'Come and Sing' workshop day (April 2016)

“I thoroughly enjoyed performing the Alto Rhapsody as part of this excellent and varied concert. Peter Nardone is always a joy to work with and I thought the Chorus sounded excellent.” Deborah Miles-Johnson, alto soloist, Brahms Alto Rhapsody (March 2016)

"I had a wonderful time in Worcester - what a treat to be presented with such a bold and varied programme.  The choir performed with such commitment and passion, more than matching the splendid orchestra in colour and excitement.  I was extremely well looked after and made to feel very welcome, so thank you." Timothy Dickinson, bass soloist, Vaughan Williams Dona Nobis Pacem and Dvorak Te Deum (March 2016)

"My wife and I spent a delightful evening listening to the Worcester Festival Choral Society’s production of the Messiah in the Cathedral.  It was so was beautifully produced and proved to be a real treat of a night out, the Cathedral was full and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event.  The soloists were superb, in fact the evening was superb and it was an honour to sit in the front row and enjoy such a well produced and tremendously enjoyable event.  Our thanks go out to everyone from the singers, soloists, musicians and Conductor through to all those who helped in the production of this lovely event in our Cathedral here in Worcester, it was excellent!" Councillor Roger Knight, Mayor of Worcester 2015/16 (December 2015)

“Thank you so much for a wonderful concert.  Bach’s Mass in B Minor, a glorious creation by any reckoning, is one of my favourite pieces of music and I greatly appreciated your rendition of it.  Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to all involved.”  +John, Bishop of Worcester and President, Worcester Festival Choral Society (March 2015)

“It was the most incredible musical experience of my career so far.” Zarah Hible, mezzo soprano soloist, Verdi Requiem (March 2014)

“Verdi Requiem at the Cathedral was spectacular. The Festival Chorus was in excellent voice and the conductor, Peter Nardone, bristled with energy.” Councillor Pat Agar, Mayor of Worcester 2014/15 (March 2014)

“I was so pleased to have been able to be at your performance of There Was A Child in November 2014, which I commissioned as a celebration of the life of my son Robert who died too young. The piece is a marvellous legacy and his spirit lives on through Jonathan Dove's exhilarating and moving music. I hope you all enjoyed singing it as much as the audience clearly enjoyed listening to it.” Rosemary Van Allan, concert-goer and commissioner of There Was A Child (November 2014)