Choral Chiaroscuro

This concert explores a sequence of contrasting ideas which might otherwise not be interwoven – sacred music frames lyric poetry; deepest darkness abuts blazing light; music for high voices is placed alongside some of the lowest notes ever scored for basses (in a solo line), and two very different embodiments of a religious conversion experience.

The choir is accompanied on the organ by Richard Moore, Sub-Organist at Christ Church Cathedral.

Programme:

Gustav Holst Psalm 86

Egil Hovland Saul (For Narrator, Mixed Chorus & Organ)

Francis Poulenc Litanies à la Vierge Noire

Duruflé Fugue sur le nom d’Alain (solo organ)

Arvo Pärt De profundis (Psalm 130)

Jonathan Dove Ecce Beatam Lucem

Interval

Gerald Finzi Seven Poems of Robert Bridges:

1. I praise the tender flower
2. I have loved flowers that fade
3. My spirit sang all day
4. Clear and gentle stream
5. Nightingales
6. Haste on, my joys!
7. Wherefore tonight so full of care

Emma Lou Diemer Fiesta (solo organ)

Gustav Holst Psalm 148