The Three Choirs Festival burst into life at Gloucester Cathedral last night, delivering a crackling energy that electrified the packed crowd of music lovers. As one of the world's oldest and most revered classical music festivals, it set a high bar for its latest edition – and judging by the opening concert, it's safe to say they've hit the ground running.
The UK premiere of Gavin Higgins' Fanfare Americana was an unbridled celebration of American optimism, with Adrian Partington leading the Philharmonia Orchestra through a vibrant soundscape that left no doubt: this is music that gets you on your feet. The exuberant fireworks of tubular bells and brass sent shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned concert-goers – and proved an unforgettable opening salvo.
Next up was Elgar's First Symphony, a work so beloved it's easy to forget its complexities. Yet as Adrian Partington coaxed every last drop from his orchestra, the music unfolded with delicate precision, conjuring moments of breathtaking beauty that sent hearts soaring. The pièce de résistance came in the finale, where the Philharmonia Orchestra unleashed their full fury – a truly spine-tingling experience.
And then, of course, there was William Walton's Belshazzar's Feast – an iconic cantata whose notorious biblical imagery once landed it on the festival's naughty list for 26 years. Last night, however, it proved a triumph, with the Festival Chorus delivering a masterclass in discipline and diction that left even the most discerning critics gobsmacked. Baritone David Stout stole the show with his towering voice and unforgettable stage presence – injecting a sense of theatre and humanity into every note.
The pièce de résistance was Partington's conducting, which somehow found just the right balance between dissonant grind and exhilarating release. As the 141-strong choir reached its climax in 'Praise ye the Gods', it was clear this was an unforgettable night – one that will be etched into the memories of every single person lucky enough to be there.
As the oldest classical music festival in the world, Three Choirs knows a thing or two about what works. And last night's programme – a thrilling mix of old and new, with both established masterpieces and UK premieres – was a potent reminder why this corner of the British arts scene remains so utterly vital.