Transatlantic Rhapsodies

Lewisham Choral Society

Lewisham Choral Society and The Bromley Boy Singers present dazzling music from both sides of ‘the pond’. LCS sing  Jonathan Dove's evocative The Passing of the Year, depicting joyous Spring, sultry Summer, Autumn with its sense of mortality turning to winter before jubilant bells ring in another New Year. The glorious Seek Him that Maketh is in turns intense, joyful and serene. Dove is a consummate choral composer, using multiple voices to create richly-textured harmonies and complex rhythms to striking effect. Randall Thompson’s beautiful Fare Well is set to a poignant poem by Walter de la Mare. Renowned choral composer Eric Whitacre needs no introduction. We sing his intensely moving When David Heard and the sublimely peaceful Sleep.

The Bromley Boy Singers perform Broadside Ballads by James Lark, specially commissioned for their 40th anniversary and premiered last year to critical acclaim. The historical texts are very relevant today, depicting life for a London boy past and present. The intricate musical weave showcases each section of the choir and BBS provide just the quality of tone, musical sensibility and technical skill this complex work demands. James Lark is Director of Music at Westminster Abbey Choir School, composer, dramatist and film-maker. 

For even more sparkle, our programme includes a spirited 2-piano version of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with pianists James Orford, who is also Organ Scholar at St Paul’s Cathedral and Nico de Villiers, who has performed widely at home and around the world. 

Lewisham Choral Society is one of London’s most accomplished community choirs, with three near sell-out concerts at the Festival Hall, two performances in Paris and recently in Berlin. Conductor Dan Ludford-Thomas is director of several choirs, including LCS.