Dear Supporter,
The Chorus is well into rehearsals for the next concert on Saturday 15th April, 7.30pm at Chingford Parish Church E4 7EN when we, four soloists and the British Sinfonietta will perform Mozart's mighty Requiem and Pergolesi's lighter but equally moving Stabat Mater. A third piece will be given its world premiere: The Nazarene composed by our Musical Director Edward-Rhys Harry, inspired by verses from from St John's gospel and a poem by Victorian writer/philosopher Constance Naden.
Both the Requiem and Stabat Mater were written by composers in the last weeks of their lives giving an added poignancy to the works. The powerful Mediaeval hymn Stabat Mater meditates on the suffering of Jesus' mother as she stood at the foot of the cross. Pergolesi was known for his comic operas and indeed one contemporary critic complained about his Stabat Mater's light operatic style, but the emotional melodic lines come straight from Pergolesi's operatic work and take the listener through darkness and grief to a final prayer of hope. The Requiem is so well known, as is the fact that it had to be completed after Mozart's death by his assistant Süssmayer, that it needs no introduction. Harlow Chorus has performed this magnificent work many times before but, such is the intensity coming from Edward in rehearsal, I feel that this time will be one of those experiences that shake you to your utter foundations.
The choir is also rehearsing music for a conductor's training day on 4th March in St John's, Epping. We will sing choruses from the Requiems by Brahms, Fauré and Mozart conducted by aspiring choral conductors who will receive tips on technique from Edward and our previous M.D. Sarah Tenant-Flowers. We have to forget all our own training and follow whatever the trainees transmit to us via their conducting. Should be fun! Details are on the website if you'd like to come and watch.
This Friday we are holding our first quiz since before covid (sorry, tables are already sold out) and, happily, new singers are appearing at almost every rehearsal so the choir is growing back to its pre-pandemic strength.
We hope to see you in April. No need to drive and find parking - the Chorus has again laid on a return coach picking up in Bishop's Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Old Harlow and Epping. Email gill.chester@talktalk.net to book your place.
Concert tickets @£15, under 18s £5, are available from our box office tel. 01277 362440 or email tickets@harlowchorus.org.uk and also online at www. ticketsource.co.uk/harlowchorus
With best wishes
Val Brockbank
Harlow Chorus
www.harlowchorus.org.uk
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