Wintering Receives Exceptional Praise Across the UK

1 Dec

*“The Marian Consort are among the best singers in the world… the quality, tuning and blend of these four voices was wonderful to hear.”* Robert Beale, The Arts Desk
Photo: Chris Payne

Our Wintering tour with Manchester Collective is well underway and we’re thrilled to share that the response from both audiences and critics has been overwhelmingly positive.

London premiere at Wigmore Hall set the tone, with The Times praising Samantha Fernando’s new work as “beautifully atmospheric” and highlighting the expressive unity of the two ensembles:

“It was premiered by the Manchester Collective and the Marian Consort — all on excellent form.”
— Rebecca Franks, The Times ★★★★☆

Fernando’s writing, described as “vivid wintry scenes with a few brushstrokes”, created moments of stillness and luminosity that resonated deeply in the hall. The Times also singled out the richness of the Consort’s sound:

“Finally, in ‘Cocoon’, the narrator accepts the call of winter, the choral sound rich and full.”

This enthusiastic reception was echoed in Manchester, where The Arts Desk celebrated both the programme and the performance:

“The Marian Consort are among the best singers in the world… the quality, tuning and blend of these four voices was wonderful to hear.”
— Robert Beale, The Arts Desk ★★★★☆

The review praised the synergy between voices and strings, noting how seamlessly the colours of the two ensembles intertwined:

“Even more so was the interaction and synthesis of instrumental and vocal colours...”

Fernando’s Wintering also left a strong impression, with its delicate mix of meditation, quiet humour and winter imagery:

“Samantha Fernando has provided these performers with a remarkable piece: I wonder how many others might be able to bring it off so well?”

As the tour continues, we are grateful for the extraordinary audiences who have joined us so far, and for the chance to bring this reflective, restorative programme to listeners across the country.