Eloff returns with Requiem to remember (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Eloff returns with Requiem to remember

11:14am Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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ANYONE who attended last summer’s concert at Douai Abbey, presented by Basingstoke Choral Society, will vividly remember Erica Eloff’s performance of the Allelujah from Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate.

Her apparently effortless ability to soar to the final top C left most watchers gasping with wonder at her control and precision.

Eloff returns to Basingstoke on March 21, this time to The Anvil, to sing the soprano role in Verdi’s Requiem, accompanied by the New London Sinfonia and a combined massed choir from the Basingstoke Choral Society and the Croydon Philharmonic Choir.

Born in South Africa, Eloff has been rapidly making a name for herself across the world, and particularly in this country.

Anthony Lias, writing in Opera Britannia of her performance in Haydn’s Creation, said: “Here is a major talent waiting to be discovered. Miss Eloff coped admirably with the challenging vocal writing, always surmounting the hurdles penned by Haydn...her upper register is quite thrilling to hear.”

David Gibson, who will conduct the Verdi Requiem, is thrilled to have Eloff return to sing with the Basingstoke Choral Society.

In addition, Nicholas Warden, who sang at The Anvil with the society in its performance of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, will perform the bass role, and James Edwards will take the tenor part.

Tickets for the 7pm concert are priced from £10 to £22 – or £5 for under-16s and full-time students – and are available from the box office, on 01256 844244 or online at anvilarts.org.uk.