Britain's What's On Event Guide
The Lord is My Shepherd - The Cecilia Consort
On Saturday, March 2nd, Newbury choral singers The Cecilia Consort will be heralding the approach of Spring with their concert at St John’s Church, Newbury. The programme celebrates the work of three eminent English composers: Sir Charles Villiers Stanford (who, although born in Dublin, spent most of his life in England), Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry and John Rutter CBE.
2024 is the 100th anniversary of Stanford’s death and the choir will be marking the occasion by singing his joyful motet, Coelos ascendit hodie, the well-known Te Deum in B flat and his anthem The Lord is my Shepherd.
The choir will be performing all six of Parry’s ‘Songs of Farewell’. These were written during the First World War when a number of his pupils at the Royal College of Music were being killed or wounded in action. His choice of poignant texts reflect a yearning to escape the violence of war and to find peace in Heaven.
The highlight of the programme is Rutter’s Requiem which he completed in 1985, in memory of his father who had died the previous year. The work presents Rutter at his best, containing instantly memorable tunes but with some beautiful quiet sections. It also includes some wonderful cello solos and the choir are especially delighted to be joined by the accomplished and talented cellist, Charlotte Oates.
2024 is the 100th anniversary of Stanford’s death and the choir will be marking the occasion by singing his joyful motet, Coelos ascendit hodie, the well-known Te Deum in B flat and his anthem The Lord is my Shepherd.
The choir will be performing all six of Parry’s ‘Songs of Farewell’. These were written during the First World War when a number of his pupils at the Royal College of Music were being killed or wounded in action. His choice of poignant texts reflect a yearning to escape the violence of war and to find peace in Heaven.
The highlight of the programme is Rutter’s Requiem which he completed in 1985, in memory of his father who had died the previous year. The work presents Rutter at his best, containing instantly memorable tunes but with some beautiful quiet sections. It also includes some wonderful cello solos and the choir are especially delighted to be joined by the accomplished and talented cellist, Charlotte Oates.
Doors will open in readiness for a 7.30pm start and tickets, priced at £15 for adults and £5 for under 18s, are available on the choir's website, www.ceciliaconsort.org.uk
St John’s Church, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 7PY
Sat 2 March
Website:
www.ceciliaconsort.org.uk