CANDLEMAS

Candlemas is an interesting festival - the mid-point between the winter and spring solstices and a time when we look back at Christmas and forward to Easter. It is also the Presentation of Christ in the Temple and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and it is this latter feast which has inspired our choice of music for this year's concert.

Carols about Mary, such as the 13th century Angelus ad Virginum, Britten's Sweet was the song the Virgin sung and the traditional English carol The Joys of Mary are included, along with a lovely setting of There is no rose  by local composer Mark Browse. 

Also in the programme are settings of Marian texts by Palestrina, Josquin, Dufay and Victoria and an eight part Ave Maria by Gustav Holst. Readings of poetry and prose are interspersed with the music. 

 

Do come to our concert - it will be a lovely way to wrap up Christmas proper!

MICHAELMAS CONCERT 2019

 

Our concert is an exciting one! The programme includes a rarely performed Stabat Mater by the Maltese composer Girolamo Abos. Written shortly after the well known setting by Pergolesi, it has the same charm and melancholic beauty and tuneful melodies influenced by the Neapolitan opera buffa of the 18th century.

We have previously performed Michael Haydn's music and thoroughly enjoyed the experience so here is another of his masses written for the boys of Salzburg Cathedral. The music is just as good as that of his more famous brother, Joseph.

We are joined by the Cavalli Consort, playing on period string instruments, in these two works. They, along with organist David Hansell, will also perform one of Mozart's Church Sonatas. Three of our favourite motets for high voices complete the programme.

So come and hear us on October 5th in the stunning surroundings of St Andrew and St Cuthman's Church in Steyning.

CONCERT - SATURDAY 8TH JUNE 2019

 

Our concert was in St Michael's, Partridge Green.

We sang a varied selection of music, from plainchant to a barbershop Eleanor Rigby, and the rarely heard Canterbury Pilgrims by George Dyson.

We also included two evocative recently composed pieces by Eric Whitacre and Cecilia McDowall reflecting on new arrivals (one a seal, the other a baby sister).

And for those who like their renaissance polyphony there was also some Palestrina!

Plenty for all to enjoy!