Gravesham Choral Society are delighted to perform for you this evening:
Songs my heart has taught me Chilcott
Birthday madrigals Rutter
Ode for the birthday of Queen Anne Handel
Come ye sons of art Purcell
We will be joined by:
Elen Lloyd Roberts soprano
Richard Decker countertenor
Nathan Mercieca countertenor
Jack Holton baritone
together with Roger Harris on piano, Rob Ferguson on double bass and an orchestra .
Bob Chilcot’s Songs my Heart has Taught Me sets texts by the brilliant young poet Delphine Chalmers. She writes “Throughout life, music has been my barometer; it has helped me to understand so many things and so many people, and I hold this deep in my heart.” Hence the title. The four songs are entitled Unison, Harmony, Rhythm and Resolution.
Brian Kay, conductor of the Cheltenham Bach Choir, commissioned John Rutter to compose Birthday Madrigals in celebration of George Shearing’s 75th birthday and gave the first performance with them in June 1995. Words by William Shakespeare, John Wilbye, Christopher Marlowe and Sir Philip Sidney are delightfully set in an attractive, light style.
George Handel’s Ode for the birthday on Queen Anne is written for choir and soloists. There are nine movements beginning with a glorious duet for solo soprano and trumpet deliciously echoing each other in one of Handel’s most moving and inspired opening numbers.
Henry Purcell’s Come ye Sons of Art is an Ode for the 1694 birthday of Queen Mary. It is one of his best known works with the countertenor duet, Sound the trumpet one the most popular highlights.
Tickets are £15 in advance or £16 on the door . Under 18’s and students £5 in advance or £6 on the door. Tickets can be bought by clicking HERE
