This autumn marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, which makes York Musical Society’s (YMS) programme for their autumn concert especially appropriate. Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem and John Rutter’s Requiem, both scored for chorus, soloists and orchestra, will be accompanied by Samuel Barber’s haunting Adagio for Strings.
Dona Nobis Pacem was commissioned by the Huddersfield Choral Society in 1936, so its premiere was in Yorkshire. Vaughan Williams had already composed one section in 1911, and to this he added more settings of Whitman’s poetry, words from the Latin Mass, verses from the Bible expressing hopes for peace and, most unusually, words from a Parliamentary speech by radical MP John Bright, attempting to dissuade colleagues from entering the Crimean War. The chorus and orchestra of YMS will be joined by soprano Jenny Stafford and baritone Alistair Ollerenshaw.
Rutter’s Requiem (1986) is undoubtedly the best-known of his works. The memorable tunes have made the Requiem popular with choral societies around the world and it is one of the most popular compositions of the last 40 years. Jenny Stafford will also be soloist in this work.
In 1938 Arturo Toscanini conducted the premiere of Barber’s Adagio for Strings. It was broadcast live on American radio and quickly became a huge success. It has been used in many contexts besides the concert hall. The Adagio, a solemn and evocative piece, will be immediately recognisable to listeners.
Tickets are available through York Minster box office (tel: 01904 557200, yorkminster.org or in person) or on the door on the night.
