For Music Lovers
After their successful debut in Bunbury with an excellent performance of Messiah, Amici, the Choir and Orchestra from Middlewich, return on Holy Saturday, 22nd, April, with a programme of music for Easter.
Their choice of music will truly reflect the pivotal nature of this Easter weekend Saturday: Mozart's Requiem in the first half, looking back on the pathos of Good Friday, and the triumphal Exultate Jubilate together with the stunning Easter hymn from Cavallera Rusticana in the second half, looking forward to the resurrection on Easter Sunday. An additional theme of springtime will be covered with the Flower Duet from Lakme - better known as the advertising music from the "world's best loved airline" (though not this writer's!)
Those who have seen the film Amadeus will recognise both the Requiem, which occurred frequently throughout the film, and the less well known motet, Exultate Jubilate, which Mozart wrote specifically to show off the vocal talents of one of his singing pupils.
Many legends have sprung up surrounding the Requiem itself, composed (and, in fact, left unfinished) just before Mozart's death. Did Mozart compose it in anticipation of his own death?
Was there (as the film suggests) some psychological skulduggery involving a rival composer or even the Freemasons? What is undeniable is the sheer beauty of the music.
The Easter Hymn from Cavallera Rusticana (the first opera of the traditional "Cav and Pag" pairing) will end the concert on a high note, a dramatic piece which captures the ecstasy of the resurrecion.
If you were present at Amici's performance of Messiah before last Christmas, you will know of the quality and vitality of performance that they will bring. If you weren't there, you missed a treat. There really is nothing like live music.
Amici ("friends"), a chamber choir and orchestra, are based in and around Stockport and have performed widely in the area, including concerts in the Bridgwater Hall, Manchester. They have appeared on BBC. TV (Songs of Praise) and have recently given the modestly titled "Best Choral Concert in the World Ever" - a compendium of favourite choral works.
They are bringing four professional soloists who have worked extensively with them before as well as a chamber orchestra. Raymond Lomax is an accomplished professional conductor who has a fine reputation locally and internationally (and, like all the best musicians, is bearded).
The last concert was nearly a sell-out. Hopefully, this one will be the same, so buy your tickets early, please. Tickets will cost £7.50 (concessions: £5.00) and will be available from the usual village outlets (R.F. Burrows and Village Greens), to whom we are, as ever, indebted for their support. This represents very good value, bringing a professional quality choir, orchestra and soloists as well as a glass of wine at half time. (Cheaper than a well known local choral society, and considerably cheaper than a Bridgwater Hall concert.) Profits will be donated to the Millennium Window fund.
For even better value, group bookings made before the 25th, March will get an extra ticket free for every nine tickets bought. So bring your friends to a great musical event and benefit the church at the same time. Group bookings should be made with Jill Robey (01829 260081).
You may not have heard of the pieces in this concert but you will recognise much of the music, and the only question will be which tune you'll be humming on your way home afterwards!
George Robey
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