Reviews and Feedback

2025-26 see Current Season for details of the concerts

01 November 2025. Pipes and Voices, St Marie’s cathedral Sheffield.

• “I enjoyed all the pieces (and all were new to me)… It wasn’t really the individual pieces, for me, though. It was the all-encompassing sounds of dozens of voices in rhythm and harmony, plus that magnificent organ, filling such an acoustic space.” audience member
• “The choir was on top form.” audience member
• “I loved the unusual sounds [the] voices made in the Seven Stars piece – really compelling.” audience member
• “I’m not sure I’d have listened properly to that extraordinary Langlais mass if it’d come on the radio, but hearing it live, sung with such commitment and energy, made for a great all-encompassing encounter which reminds you why the live experience is so essential.” audience member
• “Really interesting choice of repertoire, done well.” James Mitchell, organist
• “You made a fantastic sound. All credit to Darius for choosing such fantastic rarely-performed repertoire, perfect for the space and to show off our Lewis organ. You made the most of the opportunity to sing in the best acoustic in Sheffield.” Robert Webb, Music Director of St Marie’s Cathedral

2024-25 see 2024-25 season  for details of the concerts

Creation, 08 June 2025, City Hall Sheffield

• “Congratulations to the choir – I thought they were terrific. They were so confident, and sang with bags of energy and clarity.” Matthew Hamilton, conductor of the Hallé Chorus and the Liverpool Philharmonic Chorus.

Come and Sing English Anthems 24 May 2025 Upper Chapel Sheffield

• “What a privilege it was to sing with the choir on Saturday, it was a memorable day and full of challenging pleasure. Everyone was so friendly, I look forward to a similar experience next year!” Visiting singer

Classical Sheffield finale concert 23 March 2025, St Marie’s cathedral Sheffield

• “Absolutely beautiful! A fitting end to our sixth weekend festival of classical music which has brought music to thousands of people in packed venues across the city – it’s been a terrific success!“ Classical Sheffield Festival Coordinator Rose Wilcox

Christmas concert with Black Dyke Band 14 December 2025 City Hall Sheffield

• “Your arrangement and performance of “Christus Natus Est” is wonderful! ……The power, beauty, and sensitivity of this arrangement cannot be missed.  It is most effective and captures the essence and heart of the work.  Thank you” Composer Rosephayne Powell
• “We had a great time filming and recording Black Dyke Band and Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus at Sheffield City Hall on Saturday. Capturing their performances for the Yorkshire Christmas Extravaganza was a lot of fun! From Sleigh Ride and Winter Wonderland to local Sheffield carols, this concert is packed with classic Christmas music. Big thanks to Darius Battiwalla, Nicholas Childs, and Zeb Soanes for helping bring it all together.” World of Brass
• “…Queue backstage for mince pies (and a SMALL sherry) as the @sheffphilchorus come offstage at the interval during our YORKSHIRE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR at a packed @sheffieldcityhall They deserve it — singing to such a high standard is hungry work!” Zeb Soames (compere)