Our Next Concert
Our forthcoming concert is a performance of
Cherubini's Requiem in C Minor, the Dvorak Te Deum
and Vaughan Williams' Donna Nobis Pacem at our regular venue,
Leamington's lovely old church of All Saints. It's at 7.30 pm on
Saturday 15th March 2008. Click here to find out how to purchase tickets.
Witten in 1816 after the restoration of the monarchy, Cherubini's Requiem in C minor for four-part choir
and orchestra commemorates the execution of Louis XVI (brother of the then king, Louis XVIII). This requiem
was first performed in 1817, and was admired by both Beethoven and Brahms. Beethoven is said to have declared
that if he were ever to write a requiem mass, Cherubini’s would be his only model.
Dvorák wrote the Te Deum to celebrate the 4th Centenary of Columbus’ discovery of America, and it was first
performed on 21st October 1892 in Carnegie Hall by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a choir of 250-300.
Vaughan Williams' cantata Dona Nobis Pacem was commissioned by the Huddersfield Choral Society in 1935 to celebrate their
centenary the next year, and was duly premiered in October 1936. The text comes from poems by Walt Witman,
from John Bright’s speech to the House of Commons during the Crimean war, and from various biblical texts.
We will be once again be conducted by Ronald Binnie and accompanied by the excellent
Sinfonia of Birmingham. Our soloists are soprano Lynne Rogers and baritone Simon Preece. Lynne broadcasts regularly
with the BBC Daily Service Singers and is a gifted recitalist. Simon sings frequently with the Royal Opera House Chorus,
BBC Singers, Finzi Singers, English Concert and many other chamber groups in Britain and on the continent.
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