Marches Choir presents Britten and Handel

Marches Choir

The Marches Choir will present a programme of music by Benjamin Britten, one of Britain’s greatest composers, and Georg Frederic Handel, who was German-born and became a naturalized Briton. Both are recognized as highly successful and influencial composers of their time.

Handel’s Chandos Anthems are often seen as examples of the great man cutting his teeth on a musical style that would eventually bring us masterpieces such as Messiah. The choruses of no. 9 O Praise the Lord with one consent demonstrate consummate craftsmanship, with lively melodic lines and a driving energy.

The featured work to be performed is Britten’s St Nicolas Cantata  composed in 1948 when Britten was at the height of his creative powers.  The music is a vivid and dramatic re-telling of the life of Nicolas, the fourth century Bishop of Myra, with the demanding part of Nicolas sung by experienced professional tenor Clifford Lister.

Joining with the choir will be the Senior Choir from Bedstone College, directed by Emma Bryden.  They will sing mainly from the West end of the church in dramatic antiphonal effect. Also joining will be four boy trebles from Prestfelde School, Shrewsbury.  

The Marches Sinfonia (leader Julia Hargreaves) will be accompanying both choirs. The orchestra will also perform Britten’s Simple Symphony, an engaging and imaginative work (though far from simple!), masterfully written for strings.

The Concert will also include a new commissioned work for chorus and orchestra by local composer, Anthony Hemson who sings with the Choir.  ‘The Song of the Cockerel’ has catchy melodies and a highly effective musical representation of sunrise!

Conductor and Musical Director, Alistair Auld, said: “Handel’s music has a universal appeal and Britten is one of the great British composers of the 20th Century. The concert promises to be a really uplifting musical tribute to these two renowned composers.’’