Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This recital is more than just a showcase for a lovely voice as the 18 pieces are all appropriate for Lent and Passiontide being, as the subtitle puts it, “music for solace and reflection.” We open with Mendelssohn’s “Hear My Prayer” with its haunting finale of “O for the wings of a dove”. This is, of course, usually performed by a boy treble and this gives us an opportunity to compare and contrast the two voices. In a word this is pointless. It is like comparing a clarinet and an oboe. True, they are similar but too different to make a meaningful judgment. Miss Gray has been blessed with a wonderful voice and throughout this recital she maintains a purity of tone that is a joy. Also there are hints that she may well develop into a fine adult soprano. The other songs run from Byrd’s “Civitas Sancti Tui” to Hurford’s “Litany To The Holy Spirit”. The Manchester Cathedral Choir offer fine support and there are several pleasing duets with Claire Buckley, including Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater”.

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