Songs Ancient and Modern - Sheringham and Cromer Choral Society

The 2019-20 season begins with a lovely blend of old and new music including popular works by Mozart, Haydn and Fauré.

The programme also includes the East Anglian premiere of an exciting new Requiem by Dorset composer, Matthew Coleridge. This is what he has to say about it:

"Requiem is my first major composition and most frequently performed work. Far from being inspired by, or in memory of, a lost loved one, I wrote the majority of it in the months following the birth of my son. I hope this brings an optimistic, affirming and uplifting mood to the music. I was determined to avoid any cliches of angelic harps or fires of hell, and chose to take a more human and earthly approach - something more akin to the Requiems of the middle ages and Renaissance. Much of the writing is in the manner of Gregorian chant, with numerous melodic ‘threads’ woven together into a rich tapestry of sound. The solo cello became a vital part of the music from some of the earliest drafts, providing a counterpoint of light against dark. Whenever the choir are singing about loss or sorrow, the cello sings a song of hope and comfort." The late Sir Neville Mariner said of the work, "a valuable addition to 21st century choral repertoire".,