Lewisham Choral Society presents music by two celebrated British composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams and the contemporary Bob Chilcott. Given his choral background, as a choirboy, Kings College scholar and former member of the Kings Singers, it is little wonder that Bob Chilcott has composed many outstanding choral works. His Requiem is a serene, reflective piece with a rich blend of choral and solo voices. Calm movements are interspersed with the jazzy, rhythmic Offertorio and Sanctus, thus creating a sense of urgency, as the choir builds to a climax of praise. The Lux aeterna ends the work in perfect peace, as floating voices carry us to a final view of eternal rest.
Ralph Vaughan Williams needs no introduction. His Serenade to Music is widely regarded as one of the most exquisite Shakespearean musical settings. A sumptuous opening evokes a moonlit night and the ‘sweet harmony’ of music. Lyrical choral and solo passages depict the ‘concord of sweet sounds’ until the soprano line soars up in a blissful finale: ‘sweet harmony’ indeed. Benedicite is a jubilant celebration of God’s creation. The spirited outer movements surround a peaceful interior, as a gentle soprano solo voice floats over the choir. The jaunty Folk Song Suite, performed in an arrangement for wind quintet, begins and ends with lively march tunes, while the middle section is a setting of the haunting song ‘My Bonny Boy’.
Lewisham Choral Society is one of London’s most accomplished community choirs, performing widely across the capital, including five Southbank appearances to packed houses. Our Director of Music, Dan Ludford-Thomas, enjoys a busy schedule as a conductor, chorus master and singing teacher. He directs a wide variety of choirs from professional ensembles, church choirs, chamber choirs and large symphonic choruses. He has recently been appointed as Music Director of the National Children's Choir of Great Britain. We are joined by two outstanding soloists, American soprano Elizabeth Weisberg and tenor David de Winter. Pianist Nico de Villiers has performed widely across the UK and around the world. He recently performed Schumann's Piano Concerto with the London Mozart Players at the Royal Festival Hall to great acclaim. We are fortunate to also be joined tonight by a talented ensemble of wind players.
Thos will be our first performance at the magnificent Langley Park Centre for the Performing Arts, Beckenham, which has a modern, acoustically- engineered auditorium. It has excellent public transport links and ample parking.