Wimbledon Choral Society – Music of the Stars – 7:30pm
This concert draws from the rich talent of English composers, two of whom are Wimbledon Choral favourites - Cecilia McDowall and Michael Higgins. McDowall's Ave Maris Stella (Hail, Star of the Sea) was the first work of hers published by OUP. Its seven short sections merge into a single powerful wave with elements of peace and tranquility mixed in with a turbulent yet joyful mid-section. Music of the Stars was published in 2023 and the text used demonstrates the power of music as a means of consoling and uplifting in challenging times. In the two YouYube clips below, the composer explains her approach to these two works. At the time writing, it is believed ours will be the UK concert performance premiere of this work in its original orchestration.
Ralph Vaughan Williams (President WCS 1946-1958) often used English folk songs as the source and inspiration for some of his works. He adapted the old song Dives and Lazarus to become the hymn tune known as Kingsfold, named after the village located a few miles south of where he lived in Leith Hill, West Sussex. The text associated with the tune is usually I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say and the choir will sing this prior to the players performing the composer’s Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus.
The concert opens with Elgar’s delightful Serenade for Strings and, towards the end, includes Michael Higgins’ beautiful O Salutaris Hostia, his arrangement of Elgar’s Nimrod (from the Enigma Variations).
Concert Programme
Elgar : Serenade for Strings
McDowall : Ave Maris Stella
Vaughan Williams : I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say [hymn Kingsfold]
Vaughan Williams : Five Variants of Dives & Lazarus [same theme as Kingsfold]
Higgins : O Salutaris Hostia
McDowall : Music of the Stars (UK premiere)
We are delighted to be working with members of the City of London Sinfonia again in this concert.
Upcoming Events
Duruflé Requiem – Twickenham Choral – 7pm
Join Twickenham Choral for a moving performance of Maurice Duruflé's Requiem in the beautiful surroundings of Holy Trinity Sloane Square. Composed in 1947, this deeply spiritual work blends Gregorian chant with rich harmonies to create an atmosphere of serenity and hope. Unlike more dramatic settings of the Requiem Mass, Duruflé's version offers a message of peace and consolation.
The concert also includes a performance of Rob Fenton's Ave Verum and music from cellist Oliver Simpson.
Twickenham Choral is conducted by Howard Ionascu. The choir will be joined by acclaimed soloists Cathy Bell mezzo soprano and Alexander Hopkins baritone, and accompanied by organist Andrew Lumsden.
Interstellar Plus – Roger Sayer – 7pm
Interstellar Organist Roger Sayer returns to Holy Trinity to play the original Hans Zimmer soundtrack, as well as music from other Sci-Fi films.
Read MoreSloane Square Choral Society – Christmas Concert 2025 – 6pm
Sloane Square Choral Society
Now available! Christmas Concert 2025 tickets at this link (and also at the door on the night. Book Here
SSCS is delighted to invite you to our Christmas Concert 2025 on Sunday 7 December at 6pm, directed by Oliver Lallemant. The programme is Edward Elgar's The Music Makers. SSCS is always looking for even more members to be a part of our wonderfully fun and engaging choir. There's no audition; we welcome everyone. Email admin@sloanesquarechoralsociety.com for details – or just turn up at any of our rehearsals which are on Mondays 7pm–8.30 between 15 September and 1 December (except 27 October).