Don't miss our unique and exceptional musical evening! Come and be inspired by our internationally renowned soloist, Emma Johnson, in a performance of Finzi's fiery and spirited Clarinet concerto with Southern Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra and conductor Simon Chalk.
Rightly known as 'Britain's favourite clarinettist' we are thrilled and privileged to have Emma with us to play what is described as 'one of the best pieces ever written for clarinet' by Classics Today
Finzi composed the work in 1949 and Emma says of the concerto:
'the music absolutely sweeps you off your feet, at once both longing and passionate..........as it works into an outpouring of emotion'
Different emotions surface in the second half of the concert when we have the greatest pleasure in bringing Matthew Coleridge's 'Requiem' to Taunton, for the first time.
Matthew composed 'Requiem', a beautiful and lyrical choral work, in 2016 and he will be with us on the day to rehearse choir, soloists and orchestra to perfection.
Taunton Minster is the perfect setting in which to hear this composition and the Minster's wonderful 'Father Willis' organ and organist Miles Quick, will do the music full justice as our musicians create a deeply moving performance together.
Accolades for 'Requiem':
"Astonishing textures... if I didn't have the score in front of me, I'd be asking 'just how does he do that?', such is the originality of the music" Simon Dunbavand
'The flowing melodies create rich tapestries of colour as the solo cello soars above the choral voices'
Southern Sinfonia, the professional Chamber Orchestra of southern England, was commissioned to record 'Requiem' in 2022 with Rupert Gough and the Choir of Royal Holloway. For our first Taunton performance our soprano will be Sarah Helsey Hughes and our invited Choir will be composed of singers from top Somerset and Devon Choral Societies.
Finally, to set the scene for the evening, the programme will begin with Gustav Holst's 'St Paul's Suite', a bright and lively work in four short movements. full of tuneful and familiar melodies.
The Orchestra is hugely looking forward to presenting this exciting concert and we hope you will join us and enjoy it to the full.
Finish time- approximately 9.15pm. You may like to bring a cushion for comfort
Parking is available at Cannon St car park, immediately behind the church.
**Our next Taunton concert 'September Celebrations' will be 'Southern Sinfonia's Promenade Concert for Taunton' at Queens Hall on 13th Sept 2024**