Dear Supporter,
The Chorus is well into rehearsals for our forthcoming concert of French music 7.30pm on 14th October in Waltham Abbey Church EN9 1XQ. We are performing both the Fauré and Saint-Saëns Requiems together with Pauline Viardot's delightful song 'En Mer' and Fauré's equally delightful 'Cantique de Jean Racine'. The indefatigable Aeron Preston is accompanist for all this and will also treat us to Gaston Bélier's dazzling showpiece 'Toccata pour grand orgue in D minor'.
All the composers were contemporaries, part of a golden generation of French musicians heralding the modern era and Gabriele Fauré (1845-1924) was one of the most influential. Of the many settings of the Requiem his is probably the best loved, so peaceful and serene. That of Camille Saint-Saëns is more dramatic but just as tuneful, still devotional and entreating with soloists and chorus echoing each other in urgent supplication, while the organ is often used with striking effect. The italicised words are significant and a clue as to how you will experience the piece on the night. Our M.D. Edward-Rhys Harry does like to introduce a bit of theatre into performances...
Rehearsals for Handel's Messiah (December 9th in Epping) start straight after the Requiem concert and on Monday 23rd October we are holding an open rehearsal so if you, or friends and family want to come along to St John's ARC, Old Harlow CM17 0AJ, 7.00 for 7.30pm, we'd love to see you. Music will be provided or bring your own (Watkins-Shaw edition). Just drop a line to Peter at peter.sandell@hotmail.co.uk to let us know you are coming.
Our popular quiz night returns on Friday 24th November. More details on cost and how to book in the next letter but as ever it's tables of eight, 7.00 for 7.30pm at St John's ARC with a bar and refreshments.
Concert tickets @£15, under 18s £5, are available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/harlowchorus and from our Box Office on 01277 362440 or email tickets@harlowchorus.org.uk
with best wishes
Val Brockbank on belhalf of Harlow Chorus
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