Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐ - The Guardian

‍ ‍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Reviewshub

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Trouw.NL

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2 - OMH

From The Observer - Review of ‘The Dead’ with The Fourth Choir:

“Adapted and directed by Séamus Rea, in collaboration with conductor Jamie Powe, it marries Joyce’s vibrant narrated text to a startling range of well-judged choral pieces, sung with precision and deep musicality by this exceptional LGBTQ+ choir.”

“Powe’s seductive arrangements of traditional Irish folk tunes are interspersed with English Renaissance polyphony and attractive pieces by contemporary Irish composers Áine Mallon and Rhona Clarke. It’s rare to sit amid such a spellbound audience, transfixed by the narration and the music – and, yes, there were tears.”

From the OMH review of Jamie’s The Gun Mass and Verdi Requiem at Cadogan Hall:

The quality of the performances made it clear that [Jamie] is an extremely talented musician. His conducting style is fluid and relaxed, but nonetheless efficiently packed with clear directions: that for any a cappella work – even for the unaccompanied passages in the Verdi – he eschews a baton and shapes the music with just his hands, demonstrates his consummate understanding of choral music and those who sing it.

…the Gun Mass. Under Powe’s precise direction, dynamic, tempo and ensemble were all controlled with exactitude: the grand homophonic statement of ‘Christe eleison’…was beautifully judged for volume and texture; the busyness of the overlapping rhythmic material in ‘Credo’ held together perfectly; the ‘Hosanna’ in ‘Sanctus’ rang out, and the final, quiet note clusters (“Grant us ceasefire”) in ‘Agnus Dei’ were both chilling and moving.

All four choirs were joined by the British Sinfoneitta for the Verdi Requiem in the second half, which was given a tremendous performance that was more than just textbook. Again, dynamic and tempo in chorus and orchestra were impeccably judged and governed. There were moments of alluring hush too: the cello opening to the ‘Introit’ seemed to condense out of the air, and the following chorus entry was a sublime melange of pianissimo and intensity; the soft unison statements in ‘Agnus Dei’ were exquisitely blended, with the high violins over the top supplying the cherry on the cake. Very impressive was the co-ordination that Powe achieved throughout (but particularly in the final ‘libera me’ fugue), given that the extensive soprano and alto sections of the chorus were in the galleries to the sides of the platform.

Testimonials

Jamie is an excellent choral conductor. He combines friendly warmth with elite musicianship.  He takes time to remember everyone’s name in the choir and develop a genuine affinity with each of us.  He unearths intriguing music for us to sing and encourages us to find the nuances in every note. In rehearsals and concerts, I feel totally secure under his watchful eye and clear gesture, which helps me relax, sing and enjoy myself. 

— Dr Jeremy Oliver, Member of The Fourth Choir

Jamie is a multi-faceted artist; conductor, composer and singer. Pulling on his strength as a performing musician, his compositional soundworld is beautiful but also expertly crafted for ensembles and singers. The two pieces he composed for National Youth Choir in 2024 are exceptional and he is a wonderful collaborator. I would fully recommend any commissioning musical organisation to work with Jamie.

— Ruth Evans, Executive Producer of National Youth Choir

Jamie always strikes a really good balance between being both encouraging and demanding so that our rehearsals are enjoyable and rewarding. 

In exploring with us how to improve and optimise our sound, Jamie's fresh and responsive approach makes it feel like a collaborative discovery, and a rewarding process for all of us - he's really good at getting us to engage with what he wants to achieve.

— Susie May, Member of New London Singers

Jamie has an amazing attention to detail, and is very efficient in analysing what needs to change to make us sound better. But it’s never about his ego; it’s about all of us (singers and conductor) doing the music justice together, and giving the audience a memorable and moving experience.

It is also a joy to sing for a conductor who doesn’t get stressed under the pressure of performances and recordings. Jamie is always his charming, modest self, keeping his sense of humour even when the heat is on.

I appreciate how he is truly committed to diversity in programming. It’s never tokenistic or performative. Every repertoire list has introduced me to hidden gems that deserve to be more widely heard.”

— August Reid, Member of The Fourth Choir

I'm delighted Jamie Powe was appointed Music Director for New London Singers. Since joining us last year, his impact has been remarkable.  Jamie's expertise has helped the choir not only hone our existing repertoire but also bravely introduce us to exciting new composers. This has kept things fresh and engaging for both singers and audiences alike.  His leadership style is exemplary, and he fosters a strong sense of musicality, making rehearsals and performances a joy. New London Singers are fortunate to have Jamie. He's a talented conductor who inspires excellence. 

— Tim Jones, Chair of New London Singers

Jamie is a fantastic conductor. Our choir has been renewed and refreshed since he took up the helm: introducing us to interesting new repertoire and guiding us to our best possible performances through skill, outstanding musicianship, patience, efficiency and a good dose of humour.

— Anna-Marie, Member of New London Singers

I love singing for Jamie. He has a way of focusing on the technical, insisting on unity of tone, being meticulous about vocal line and ensemble, and then encouraging us to let go in performance and make music together as expressively as possible.

— Kate Roscoe-Bloomer, Member of New London Singers

Jamie is a great conductor. He has high standards for the choir but also makes you feel comfortable to sing out and to make mistakes when learning pieces. I like his attention to detail and his focus on singing technique and expression. I find him easy to follow, expressive and likeable. He is clearly very passionate about choral music. 

— Lizzie Hobbs, Member of New London Singers

My voice feels safe with Jamie.  He challenges and persists but in a relaxed, humorous and charming way that brings out the vocal best in us as individuals and as a collective.

— Susan Balgarnie, Member of The Aubrey Singers

Jamie is an extremely talented conductor and singer who  manages to get the best out of us with a perfect mix of enthusiasm, encouragement and attention to detail.  It is an absolute joy and privilege to be a part of The Aubrey Singers under his direction.

— Tim Whittle, Member of The Aubrey Singers

Before I joined, I thoroughly enjoyed watching how Jamie worked with the choir and thought that his choice of programme was beautiful. In my audition with him recently, Jamie made me feel very welcome and at ease which made it a fun and enjoyable experience. 

— Nina Lejderman, Member of The Fourth Choir

Jamie makes every member of the choir feel needed and useful: no one is a passenger. He demands and inspires excellence and achieves it with a huge smile on his face.

— Dan Ross, Member of The Fourth Choir

Jamie strikes an incredible balance in everything he does. He is authoritative but also cracks jokes. He's enthusiastic but also calm. He is demanding but also kind. It's an absolute joy to sing with him!

— Allison Katz, Member of The Fourth Choir