‘Symphonies for Voices’
We return to St Gabriel’s in Pimlico on Tuesday 10th May to perform our programme titled ‘Symphonies for Voices’ – featuring a wide spectrum of choral writing drawn almost entirely from music of the 20th century. Pieces include John Rutter’s Hymn to the Creator of Light, written in memory of Herbert Howells, John Tavener’s Song for Athene – most memorably performed at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales – plus James MacMillan’s O Radiant Dawn from The Strathclyde Motets, written in 2007.
The centrepiece of the first half of the programme is by Malcolm Williamson, who despite being made Master of the Queen’s Music always considered himself an Australian composer. His Symphony for Voices from the early 1960s is an extraordinary work for the then 31-year-old composer, setting texts by the Australian poet James McAuley – Invocation, Terra Australis, Jesus, Envoi and New Guinea.
The programme’s second half includes a pair of more whimsical Williamson pieces – An Amateur of Fashion and The Quacks, from his English Eccentrics Choral Suite, setting words by Edith Sitwell – plus songs from musicals, a tango and probably the best-known collaboration between a Hungarian composer and a French poet!
There will be a free pre-concert talk at 6.30pm – drinks will be available too!
The performance starts at 7pm. Do join us – you can book tickets here.