A charity concert in aid of CHRISTIAN AID at Hereford Cathedral by the combined voices of Ledbury Choral Society and Bromyard Choral Society under the baton of Sir Richard Mynors.
This is Elgar's last choral masterpiece and tells the story of the beginnings of the New Church at the time of the first Pentecost. The orchestration is kaleidoscopic and full of Elgar's signature themes. The Semi Chorus will be performed by the young voices of Hereford Cathedral School chamber choir. The soloists bring impeccable pedigree to this event, combining with the Bromyard Sinfonia, to reveal Elgar's passionate and heartfelt faith, and its message for the world at the beginning of a new century.
The Birmingham Library hold a small archive of the first performance held at the Triennial Festival in 1906, for which A J Jaegar, Elgar's publisher and friend, made copious notes. T or his piece written after the Apostles (and originally visioned as one of three) was sung the following day so that the audience could hear the link in themes - or motifs - between the two pieces.
As one absorbs the intensity of the music through not only the vocal score but the orchestration, the genius of Elgar's writing becomes more apparent.
For the chorus, it is a challenge of pure concentration and pitch! With Elgar's unique instructions all over the vocal score, one almost needs eyes in the back of ones head - but the overall effect is moving and unforgettable.
The Festival organ at Hereford will be used for this performance, played by Dr Malcolm Macleod, Musical Director of Ledbury Choral Society and Chair of The Elgar Chorale.
Tickets are on sale through www.courtyard.org.uk
