“That was an absolutely delightful concert last night. We loved every minute of it - a brilliantly balanced programme, quite beautifully sung and played, sensitively conducted and very warmly and amusingly introduced by Benedict. Well done indeed to the entire ensemble!”

“Thank you for an absolutely lovely concert, showing expertise in every area. The choir and their evangelist tenor were full of commitment and bonding with their conductor as were the Geldart Ensemble who are always such a treat. The atmosphere in the church was relaxed, at times humorous and at times uplifting . We, an appreciative audience were allowed to join in the carols. It was altogether a wonderful introduction to the festivities to come.”

“The gig was a real pleasure to be part of, and congratulations on the choir’s incredible contribution - people forget how tricky Bach is, and you all pulled it off with enormous skill and commitment, which made my life so much easier!”

“I’m so glad I came to your Birthday Party concert. It was fabulous. The programme was full of favourites - and some new pieces - and I really enjoyed it. The choir is extremely impressive, in your beautiful tone, tight dynamics and excellent control. Well done, all. Obviously a huge amount of work, but you all seemed to be really enjoying it too.

It was nice to see Benedict in action again, too. He’s a bit of a legend, isn’t he. And quite witty.
”

“Last night’s 40th anniversary concert was my absolute favourite from all the concerts that I have attended over the past 32 years!

There was wonderful emotion across all your works, the choir was led so beautifully that the control in the quieter works gave real depth of feeling. And a special mention to the organist who stepped in at the last minute – but his integration with the choir was complete.

I so appreciated the articulate introductions from Benedict Collins Rice, which really enhanced my understanding of what we were listening to – please, ask him to keep educating us all. It makes such a difference.

Congratulations to everyone – a lovely evening out.

”

“The St Luke concert was a tour de force by all performers. The choir knew their stuff and were able to focus on ensemble and dynamics, and the effect was passionate and moving. Their baying crowd scenes were positively vicious! Very high quality orchestra and highly expressive soloists too.”

“Huge congratulations on the Chamber Choir’s concert last night. It was a tour de force of unaccompanied singing - I don’t think many choirs could sing with such passion for 2 hours! Particular highlights for me were the Agnus Dei and, of course, the incomparable Abendlied.
It was a real treat to have a whole concert of Rheinberger and I congratulate the choir on responding so beautifully to Benedict’s superb direction.

I think that the choir is perfectly positioned to enter its 40th anniversary year!
”

“The music and singing were fantastic, I can’t imagine how much rehearsal time went into the performance.”

“Wonderful, wonderful performance. I was entranced throughout. Your choruses were spot on - lots of vigour and viciousness when required and the chorales were beautiful.
I really liked the tenor - lovely high lyrical and he put the message across to the audience. My favourite by far though was the mezzo Helen Charleston - what a voice - powerful - full - nuanced - passionate. I loved her “Es ist volbracht!” Best I’ve heard - floored me in its strength, depth and finality. She sang every word with meaning.
……….the bass section in “Ruht wohl” coming down in those low arpeggios - to die for!
Sympathetic orchestra - lovely nuanced playing.
”

“ What an amazing performance, the best I have ever heard. The audience was spellbound. Congratulations to all the performers and everyone involved
.”

“ “There are so many areas I want to comment on. Firstly to say how every aspect of the event was so thought out – the professionalism on each level was a joy to experience.
The high standard of musicianship emanating from Benedict through all the elements – the musicians, the soloists and all the choir were outstanding. The choir were strong in all the chorales – the blend of the voices – no jarring voices, just perfect harmonies, singing as one glorious voice.
Then, the incredible soloists; the differences in their styles (not only in their performances – but in their colourful and varied personalities.)
The same excellence was evident in the performances of the individual members of The Geldart Ensemble.
What a feast; engaging the ears, eyes the heart and the soul.
The evening will stay with me for a long time, sustaining and counteracting the awfulness of events taking place in our world at this time.
Thank you Ipswich Chamber Choir for a truly wonderful evening.”
”

“I thought the choir were sounding better than ever so we have exciting times ahead! ”

“I really enjoyed singing with you again, I thought the choir were superb and definitely hope to be rejoining you soon.”

“We were delighted to listen to the concert by the Ipswich Chamber Choir online this evening. We were impressed by the choir, the soloists and the baroque sounding ensemble. We were calling for an encore from our box seats in the kitchen! Thank you; it was truly excellent.”

“Benedict’s Suffolk Song was delightful, with some very expressive word painting; moving, joyous but also contemplative.”

“Thank you for the pleasure you gave with last night’s concert. I was moved to tears listening to your voices with that wonderful accompaniment. The two soloists had such beautiful voices. What a joy to be able to share Bach’s music live again. Thank you! Congratulations to you all for a delightful, too short, event. ”

“An incredible concert. I must admit that I was approaching the performance of the MacMillan more out of interest than anything else. I was not prepared for the huge emotional impact of the music and I can vouch for those around me who were similarly moved. Great singing by the choir and Façade, and very fine and sensitive direction from Benedict. He is to be applauded for his brave programming.”

“ I really enjoyed singing with you and would love to come back and do so again! I thought the chorus did a fantastic job.

”

“The choir was terrific, and I was blown away by the period instrumentalists. I still have the sound of the baroque flutes ringing in my ear!”

“A wonderful concert at St Mary le Tower with some challenging pieces that the choir and organist accomplished with real verve. A great evening.”

“Ipswich Chamber Choir were extremely impressive, and managed to pull off a diverse programme of emotional music with aplomb. The strong rapport between them and Benedict was palpable in the rehearsal and concert, and they were a pleasure to sing with.

”

“It was a great pleasure to work with such a talented musician as Benedict. Ipswich Chamber Choir performed with great musicality and impressively brought to life their challenging concert repertoire. I am sure that there are many exhilarating concert seasons to come under Benedict’s assured baton.

”

“The Ipswich Chamber Choir’s high standards make working with them a pleasure.”

“It has been my great pleasure to sing with them on several occasions. They are extremely friendly and welcoming and perform with great passion and musicianship.”

““I really enjoyed singing for Ipswich Chamber Choir. The programmes are always fantastic. I am increasingly impressed by the musicality with which the choir sings.””

“They are one of the most enthusiastic, well-drilled and vibrant choirs that I have had the pleasure to stand in front of.
”