We are delighted to have received positive feedback from so many music experts and enthusiasts. Here is a flavour of the comments we have received from collaborators and concert-goers.
What people say about us …
A bloody good performance
A bloody good performance. You did me proud. The choir were excellent, band excellent, conductor excellent. What more can I ask?
Howard Goodall | Composer, Invictus: A Passion (performed by Fairhaven Singers in September 2021)
Flexible, responsive, versatile
The very model of what a good chamber choir should be – flexible, responsive, versatile in its repertoire and a pleasure to listen to.
John Rutter, CBE | composer and conductor
Committed to imaginative programming
I have known Ralph Woodward for nearly 30 years, and I’ve worked with the Fairhavens frequently since he took over the choir in 1997. They are a fine (and ever-improving) group of singers, committed to imaginative programming and passionate performances.
Will Todd | composer
A joy to collaborate with the Fairhaven Singers
It was a joy to collaborate with the Fairhaven Singers and Ralph Woodward. As well as singing beautifully, they were wonderfully responsive to all my ideas, and gave everything to make the premiere of Sappho Sings memorable and thrilling.
Jonathan Dove | composer
An impressive group of singers
It has been a complete pleasure to compose for and record with Ralph Woodward & the Fairhaven Singers. The choir is an impressive group of singers who all share a passion and enthusiasm which really comes across in the music, and they are lovely people too. Led by Ralph’s stellar musicianship they sang with a wonderful sense of performance. I very much look forward to hearing them premiere Formation in November. It has been a privilege to work with Ralph and the Fairhavens and I look forward to hearing them on the radio very soon!
Thomas Hewitt Jones | composer
A very fine concert indeed
Right from the start it was apparent that this was going to be a very special performance ... Conductor Ralph Woodward obviously loves this music and knows exactly how it should work; controlling his disparate forces with admirable economy of gesture, he ensured that every moment had its full effect. A very fine concert indeed.
Lark Reviews
Expressive feeling
The Fairhaven Singers were conspicuous for vivacity, unanimity of ensemble, sweetness and fulness of tone, flawless intonation, and, when the music called for it, expressive feeling. Long may they flourish!
Robin Holloway | composer and Professor of Music, University of Cambridge
Beautifully poised and tranquil final section
One of the leading chamber choirs in East Anglia, the Fairhaven Singers presented a carefully collated recital under their musical director, Ralph Woodward. ...The singers caught the mysteriousness of the antiphonal, quasi-plainsong opening and brought spirit to the driving central episode before calm was restored in the beautifully poised and tranquil final episode.
Musical Opinion Quarterly (January – March 2017) | Read full review
Beautifully presented… Fairhaven Singers left us gasping for more
The singers’ standards were of the highest... They have a strong muscular sound equally at home with powerful musical drama as with tender harmony.
The Cambridge Critique | Read full review
A mammoth performance
a mammoth performance that held one transfixed from beginning to end
Rosemary Westwell | Read full review