Concert Reviews

Haddington-based choral group the Garleton Singers presented the second of two performances of their 2026 Spring Concert on the night of 29th March in St Mary's Parish Church, Haddington. Music Director Stephen Doughty conducted choir and orchestra in a programme of three pieces. The headline work, Haydn's ‘Stabat Mater' was after the interval. In the first half, Brahms' ‘Schicksalslied' (The Song of Destiny) was preceded by the world premiere of 2 songs from ‘The Never Withering Rose' by Finnish singer, orchestra and choral conductor, composer, arranger and violinist Johanna Almark. Attendance was very satisfactory. The quality of the Garleton printed programmes was, as ever, excellent (with the added bonus that no lights were dimmed, so they were legible). Stephen introduced the programme with his usual whimsical humour.

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What a super piece Haydn's ‘Stabat Mater' is. It deserves to regain a securer place in the repertoire. Kudos to the Garleton Singers, their Music Director and guest soloists for a sterling job of advocacy. Full marks from me.

Donal Hurley (for Edinburgh Music Review)

For the full review please visit the Edinburgh Music Review website and search for Garleton Singers:

- Donal Hurley (for Edinburgh Music Review)

St Mary's Church looked on approach more like an advent calendar than ever; a fit setting for Garleton Singers to usher in the season with an eclectic selection of sacred choral pieces, alongside familiar carols for the audience to take part in. They were accompanied by Caroline Craddock on organ and piano, Nicola Kendall on drums and the Pentland Brass Quintet. A further layer was the polished but exuberant showmanship of conductor/compere Stephen Doughty – in splendid particoloured weskit – deftly tweaking the reins of choir and audience alike.

- Tina Moskal