Newbury Choral Society’s summer concert on Saturday evening proved to be a moving and thought-provoking exploration of displacement, identity, and home.
Under the sensitive and assured direction of conductor and music director Joe Tobin, the programme, titled Journeys and Belonging, departed from the Society’s more traditional choral fare, offering a bold and contemporary collection of works that were as emotionally resonant as they were musically rich.

The evening opened with Bob Chilcott’s The Voyage, performed with warmth and clarity by the choir. Chilcott’s lyrical writing was brought to life through careful phrasing and dynamic control, setting the tone for a concert that embraced nuance and depth.

Soprano Jess Norton Reybould gave a compelling performance of Emily Hall’s Befalling, a stark and atmospheric piece that showcased her expressive range and poise. Her interpretation captured the emotional depth of the subject, drawing the audience into a more introspective space.

Laura Martin delivered two solo pieces, each with distinctive character. In Far from the Home I Love by Jerry Bock, she offered a touching portrayal of quiet longing, her voice both tender and assured. In contrast, her performance of A Bay in Anglesey by Madeleine Dring was suffused with lyricism and nostalgia, revealing Laura’s gift for storytelling through song.

Perhaps the most affecting piece of the evening was Everyday Wonders: The Girl from Aleppo by Cecilia McDowall. Sung by the choir, it recounted the journey of Nujeen Mustafa, a Syrian refugee, with chilling beauty.

Special mention must go to violinist Yuliia Chetverhova, whose haunting accompaniment gave the piece a stark poignancy. Her playing displayed a shimmering intensity, adding an ethereal layer to the choral texture.

The concert closed with Stephen Paulus’ The Road Home, a gentle and elegiac piece that brought together the evening’s themes of belonging and return. The choir’s performance here was particularly moving — beautifully blended and sincerely delivered.

Throughout the programme, Steve Bowey’s accomplished piano playing provided a vital backbone to the performances. His sensitivity to both choir and soloists ensured a seamless musical experience, his accompaniment never intrusive but always expressive.

In all, this was a courageous and inspiring evening from Newbury Choral Society — a journey in itself, and one well worth taking.

Newbury Choral Society’s next concert is the Bach Christmas Oratorio on Saturday 25th November 2025 at 7:30pm at St Nicolas’ Church.