Three Choirs Festival Review: Belshazzar's Feast Thrills in 2026

The Three Choirs festival review of this year's opening salvo reveals a concert crackling with energy, featuring William Walton's banned masterpiece Belshazzar's Feast alongside Elgar's First Symphony. The packed Gloucester Cathedral audience was treated to exuberant fireworks from the Festival Chorus and Philharmonia Orchestra.

Fanfare Americana and Elgar's Symphony No. 1

The evening began with the UK premiere of Gavin Higgins' Fanfare Americana, a lively celebration of American can-do spirit. Whooping brass and tubular bells sent vast waves of sound through the resonant cathedral acoustic, exploding like exuberant fireworks under conductor Adrian Partington's delightfully Tiggerish direction.

Elgar's noble First Symphony followed, though the opening movement took time to settle. Tempo changes needed more elasticity, yet the scherzo ran the gamut from elfin filigree to Darth Vader-ish menace. A warm, unsentimental Adagio preceded a brisk finale with plenty of Edwardian fire.

Belshazzar's Feast: The Festival Chorus Shines

The undisputed highlight was Walton's cantata, performed by the 141-strong Festival Chorus with discipline, diction, and clarity. Blend and balance were remarkable for three choirs thrown together; inner parts and intricate intertwining lines remained distinct. Male voices delivered a forceful opening salvo, while female voices poured hearts out by the waters of Babylon. Baritone David Stout injected theatricality and humanity into his stentorian solos, leading choir and orchestra into a thrilling 'Praise ye the Gods' section.

Comparison of Works Performed

Key Takeaways

• The Three Choirs festival opened with a banned masterpiece that finally became a hot ticket.
• Adrian Partington led a crackling performance of Fanfare Americana and Elgar's First.
• The 141-strong Festival Chorus aced Walton's demanding cantata with precision and passion.
• Baritone David Stout's solos brought rare humanity and theatricality to the biblical drama.
• Gloucester Cathedral's acoustic enhanced the lush orchestral and choral textures.

FAQ

This Three Choirs festival review confirms that the opening night was a triumphant success. The combination of bold programming, virtuosic performances, and the stunning Gloucester Cathedral acoustic made for an unforgettable evening. For classical music lovers, this festival remains a must-attend event. Secure your tickets for future concerts while they last.