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‘An English Passion’ |
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The Linsdale Singers, conductor Dennis Pim
with Jean Collingsworth (soprano), Liz Parkes (alto), David Howard (tenor) and Colin Ferris (bass)
For their Spring 2010 concert, the Linsdale Singers are delighted to be returning to St Barnabas to give a concert of choral music for the season of Lent, and to raise funds for the Parish Hall refurbishment.
The Mass in G minor by Vaughan Williams is an expansive setting of the mass for double choir and four soloists and is completely unaccompanied. Written in 1921 and dedicated to Gustav Holst and his Whitsuntide Singers, it is perhaps the first mass written in a distinctly English style since the Tudor composers of the sixteenth century. Composed primarily to be sung in a liturgical setting, it is just as successful as a concert piece.
Herbert Howells’ Requiem is another unaccompanied piece for double choir and four soloists, and follows the English tradition of composers such as Vaughan Williams and Holst. Although written in 1936, Howells did not release the work for performance until 1980. The music has intensity and feeling whilst being accessible and melodic: it is Howells at his very best.
Richard Allain is Director of Music at Mill Hill School in London, and is one of today’s most creative composers. His works encompass a wide range of styles including music theatre, sacred choral music and works for children. In 2006 he published a book of fresh, new and very accessible arrangements of spirituals, and the Linsdale Singers will be performing a number of arrangements from this book. Those who attended the Singers’ informal Sunday afternoon recital in All Saints last May as part of the Leighton Linslade Arts and Music Festival may remember how engaging these arrangements are.
Sadly, during 2009 two Choir members succumbed to illnesses that resulted in their untimely deaths and the Singers will be dedicating this concert in their memory. Thus, as well as a solo or two to give the choir a break, the concert programme will be completed with a short choral piece specifically chosen in memory of each of these two singers.
All in all the concert should prove to be moving and uplifting with a wide range of styles from simple solo melodies to intense 12-part choral textures.
Tickets for the concert are £10 (£8 concessions and under 16s free). They are available at the door on the night, or in advance from Choir members, by telephoning 01525 376572 or they can be purchased on line here. All proceeds will be donated to the Parish Hall refurbishment.