This concert takes its title from Violet Jacob’s poem Hallowe’en which evokes the loss of so many young men on the battlefields of France in the First World War. Composer Ailie Robertson has created a heartbreakingly beautiful choral setting of three poems written by women poets from north-east Scotland in the first half of the twentieth century: Violet Jacob, Marion Angus and Mary Symon. The Lost Lichts reflects the experience of those left behind when the soldiers marched away from their farms and bothies, changing the rural north-east for ever. The choir is delighted to give the premiere performance of this powerful new work.
Described as "the most beautiful, pure vocal music of the 19th century", Josef Rheinberger’s Mass in Eb for double choir forms the heart of our concert. The choral writing is flexible and sonorous with unexpected turns, exquisite antiphonal exchanges and delightful word painting. The choir is thrilled to be singing this multi-faceted gem in the wonderful space of St Machar’s Cathedral.
South Korean composer Hyo-Won Woo’s Gloria was written in 2002 and is as sparkling and flamboyant a setting of sacred text as you will find. Combining classical western influences and traditional Korean motifs, it is a thrilling piece full of positivity and charm.
