London Concert Choir – A Symphony of Psalms – 7.45pm
London Concert Choir begin their 65th Season with an evening of Psalms. The programme consists of:
Conductor - Mark Forkgen
Organ & Piano - Ben Markovic
Piano - Dominika Mak
Franck - Psalm 150 (in French)
Gabrieli - Jubilate Deo
Howells - Like as the Hart
Mendelssohn - Richte mich, Gott
Elgar - Give unto the Lord
INTERVAL
Kodaly - Psalm 114
Stravinsky - Symphony of Psalms
London Concert Choir present a concert of contrasting psalm settings by composers from the 17th to the 20th Centuries, illustrating the wide variety of themes in the Book of Psalms, from praise and celebration to thanksgiving, prayer, despair and hope.
Giovanni Gabrieli took verses from a number of psalms for his lively eight-part anthem Jubilate Deo (Be Joyful in the Lord). He probably wrote it for the Feast of the Ascension, celebrating the marriage of Venice to the sea. Mendelssohn’s Richte mich, Gott (Psalm 43: Judge me, O God) is also for eight parts, with the upper and lower voices often singing alternately. Like as the Hart Desireth the Waterbrooks, a ‘quietly intense’ arrangement by Herbert Howells of three verses from Psalm 42 expressing the psalmist’s longing for God, will be complemented by one of his Psalm Preludes for organ.
Elgar’s grand ceremonial anthem Give unto the Lord (Psalm 29) evokes a series of vivid images of the voice of the Lord ruling the natural world. Kodály’s simple setting of Psalm 114 tells how the mountains and hills jumped for joy when the Israelites escaped from slavery in Egypt. Psalm 150, Praise ye the Lord, the very last in the Book of Psalms, is a fervent exhortation to praise God in music and dance. It was set by César Franck in bold, chromatic harmonies and also by Stravinsky in the final movement of his mystical and moving choral Symphony of Psalms.
Upcoming Events
Mozart’s Da Ponte Operas: Reinventing the Operatic Voice 11:00 – 13:00
The astounding partnership between Mozart and Da Ponte produced Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutte, featuring many of opera's most complex and memorable roles. Experience the music and meet the characters in this enthralling recital series.
21 Oct The Art of Becoming
Mezzo- soprano, Nancy Holt, unpacks how Mozart uses this voice type to capture growing up, falling apart, and coming back together — often all in one aria! Meet Cherubino who can't control his hormones; Dorabella who can't control her heart; and Marcellina who reinvents herself entirely. With live piano accompaniment by Lucy Colquhoun.
Mozart’s Da Ponte Operas: Reinventing the Operatic Voice 11:00 – 13:00
The astounding partnership between Mozart and Da Ponte produced Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutte, featuring many of opera's most complex and memorable roles. Experience the music and meet the characters in this enthralling recital series.
28 Oct Sincerity on Trial
Dropped into comic operas with seria voices, Mozart's tenors don't get the straightforward luxury of being either comic or serious — Don Ottavio and Ferrando can be both noble and laughed at in the same breath. This recital explores the gorgeous, soaring music sung by men the drama refuses to let you trust. What happens when Mozart puts his heartfelt heroes on trial? With tenor, Robert Forrest, and pianist, Lucy Colquhoun.
A Taste of Heaven – 6pm
The Holy Trinity Consort presents a French-Swiss celebration - written in secret and hidden in a drawer for forty years, Frank Martin's Mass for Double Choir is now treasured as one of the twentieth century's great choral discoveries. After the interval, Fauré's sublime Requiem: music of consolation, from the radiant Pie Jesu to the whispered farewell of In Paradisum. We are delighted to welcome Läderach as our partner for the evening, and premium-ticket holders will enjoy an exclusive tasting of their exquisite Swiss chocolate. Candlelight, chocolate and glorious music - an evening to savour at Holy Trinity.