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Danesborough Chorus Summer Concert
Our Summer concert takes place on Saturday 27 June, 7.30 pm in St Mary’s Parish Church, Woburn. Conducted by Ian Smith, the concert features Alessandro Scarlatti’s St Cecilia Mass, Antonio Vivaldi’s Dixit Dominus and Handel’s Concerto Grosso Op 3 No 2. The choir will be accompanied by Alina Orchestra with soloists from the Royal Academy of Music, Bella Hulbert (soprano), Eleanor Ninham (soprano), Helena Paish (mezzo soprano), Joseph Hancock (tenor) and Tom Butler (bass).
Scarlatti (1660–1725) and Vivaldi (1678–1741) were two giants of the Italian Baroque period, though their musical legacies offer a fascinating study in contrast and complement. Scarlatti was primarily a composer of vocal music, operating at the heart of the Neapolitan operatic tradition, while Vivaldi, though also an opera composer, is best known for revolutionising instrumental music, particularly the concerto.
Scarlatti composed the Mass for Saint Cecilia in 1720 for the Basilica Santa Cecilia, Rome. Considered to be the crowning achievement of all his church music, this piece provides a stylistic synthesis of the compositional possibilities of the early 18th century, in a score brimming with striking contrasts.
Hailing from Venice, Vivaldi was both a priest and a virtuoso violinist. He composed three settings of Psalm 110, Dixit Dominus. Tonight’s, RV 595, is in eleven movements for five soloists, five-part choir and orchestra.
Completing the programme, Handel’s Concerto Grosso Op 3 No 2 is notable for its unique five-movement structure and its wonderfully varied orchestration.
Neither Scarlatti’s St Cecilia Mass nor Vivaldi’s Dixit Dominus is often performed so this is a great opportunity to hear these two masterworks. And, for a truly sparkling summer evening at Woburn, remember to bring strawberries and bubbly for the traditional extended interval on the lawns!
Scarlatti (1660–1725) and Vivaldi (1678–1741) were two giants of the Italian Baroque period, though their musical legacies offer a fascinating study in contrast and complement. Scarlatti was primarily a composer of vocal music, operating at the heart of the Neapolitan operatic tradition, while Vivaldi, though also an opera composer, is best known for revolutionising instrumental music, particularly the concerto.
Scarlatti composed the Mass for Saint Cecilia in 1720 for the Basilica Santa Cecilia, Rome. Considered to be the crowning achievement of all his church music, this piece provides a stylistic synthesis of the compositional possibilities of the early 18th century, in a score brimming with striking contrasts.
Hailing from Venice, Vivaldi was both a priest and a virtuoso violinist. He composed three settings of Psalm 110, Dixit Dominus. Tonight’s, RV 595, is in eleven movements for five soloists, five-part choir and orchestra.
Completing the programme, Handel’s Concerto Grosso Op 3 No 2 is notable for its unique five-movement structure and its wonderfully varied orchestration.
Neither Scarlatti’s St Cecilia Mass nor Vivaldi’s Dixit Dominus is often performed so this is a great opportunity to hear these two masterworks. And, for a truly sparkling summer evening at Woburn, remember to bring strawberries and bubbly for the traditional extended interval on the lawns!
Saturday 27 June
St Mary’s Parish Church, Park Street, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9PG
19.30 - 21.30Tickets (all unreserved): £20 (centre pews), £15 (rear centre), £10 (aisle seats), £5 for students (all areas) are available by phoning Lynne on 01908 386796, or online at wegottickets.com/event/696438
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