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# REVIEW: Rainbow Chorus – Classics to Classical
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/review-rainbow-chorus-classics-to-classical/
- Published: 2017-07-17T09:49:13.000Z
- Updated: 2017-07-17T09:49:13.000Z
- Description: I have to remind myself that this diverse and inclusive singing group is an amateur non – audition choir where some members can’t read music. That makes their latest concert all the more remarkable because they opened the event with a beautiful and sensitive rendition of the phenomenally tricky Faur
- Author: Brian Butler
- Tags: Arts, In The South, Music, News, Reviews, Aneesa Chaudhry, Finola Brophy, Rainbow Chorus, St Georges Church

## I have to remind myself that this diverse and inclusive singing group is an amateur non–audition choir where some members can’t read music.

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web-600-55.jpg)](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/gscene-com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web-600-55.jpg)

**That makes their latest concert** all the more remarkable because they opened the event with a beautiful and sensitive rendition of the phenomenally tricky **Faure** *Requiem*. The piece is so well-loved and well-known that it’s a brave thing for any choir to tackle.

But under the leadership of their charismatic and energetic musical director **Aneesa Chaudhry**, the chorus managed to bring fresh insight to the piece, performing with gusto where necessary and also a lightness of touch in the more lyrical and tender passages.

In the big set pieces they show their true colour and power and I would like them to revisit the piece maybe next year and tackle it again.

The second half took them back in their comfort zone singing a range of musical numbers from **Bowie** and **Mercury** to **Lady Gaga**, and filling St George’s Church, Brighton with colour, humour and deeply felt emotion.

It wasn’t without irony that they sang the beautiful *Million Voices* – a Russian entry in Eurovision – against the present background of anti-gay detention and execution in that troubled area of the world.

Being a Gershwin fan , I revelled in their clever interpretation of *Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,* but their renditions of gay anthems *Hand in Hand* and *Born This Way* show as their MD said that they are proud and out – and they have a lot to be proud of.

The amazing talent of their accompanist **Mojca Monte** adds much to their evenings and she excelled on both the church organ and the piano.

This was the last concert with **Finola Brophy** as their chair. Someone has big boots to fill to follow her.

Rainbow Chorus next perform in Brighton in their winter concert on December 9\. I urge you to hear them .