Following the  Christmas Oratorio in St. Margaret’s Church, Ipswich and Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford, Joy Bounds wrote in the Evening Star:-

Those who made the 50-mile round trip to both concerts were rewarded by performances of dramatic intensity and musical excellence.

Bach wrote the Christmas Oratorio in six parts, to be performed one day each at Christmas time, which together form, in the words of Tom Appleton, "a nativity play for adults". It was a rare treat to hear all six.

The unusual staging, with both choir and soloists singing from different places, meant that not only was the music edifying and rich, but the story visibly unfolded, creating a wonderful musical drama.  Often the choir encircled the audience, a beautiful all-around sound resulting.

So why go to Long Melford? This concert was a collaboration between ICC and the York Baroque Players, one of whose members researched the Benjamin Britten Bach at Long Melford weekends of the 1960's.

Britten considered this church to be the perfect surrounding for Bach's music, and indeed there was a quality about Sunday's performance.

Congratulations to Tom Appleton, still in his first year at ICC, for such innovation.  There were many fine performances by players and singers, but the tenor, Jason Darnell, as evangelist was outstanding.

Following the  Psalmfest concert in St. Margaret’s Church, Ipswich, one reviewer wrote:-

This concert was a unique occasion in two respects. I had never experienced a programme entirely based on settings of psalms, nor had the audience previously enjoyed the inspirational conducting of young Tom Appleton, making his debut as Musical Director of Ipswich Chamber Choir.

It dawned on me that this was a ‘getting to know you’ event. Choosing works composed over a span of six centuries, Tom Appleton certainly extended the choir’s range and versatility. At the same time, he was able to introduce himself to his audience. Without his engaging informal linking commentary, the first half of the programme would have seemed a random succession of nine psalm settings. In fact it worked well with many musical highlights – above all the intense praise in William Byrd’s Laudibus in Sanctis and the jollier Laudate Dominum by Sweelinck, both types of music new to this choir. The audience also enjoyed the opportunity to join in singing All people that on earth do dwell’.

The second half of the concert consisted of John Rutter’s Psalmfest, settings of a further nine psalms. Emilia Hughes and Ben Thapa were the pleasing soloists in this and other works. I prefer Mr Rutter’s O clap your hands mode to his repetitive sweetness but this is no reflection on the choir whose energy and diction were always commendable. The outstanding organist and pianist throughout was Christian White.

Yes, we have got to know Tom Appleton and what he can bring out of Ipswich Chamber Choir. I, for one, look forward to hearing them perform Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in December.