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Choir's concert season has something for all
| Published: 16th September 2012 17:25 |
Bristol Choral Society has announced its packed 2012-3 concert season under conductor Adrian Partington - with four Colston Hall concerts, two chances to 'Come & Sing' and more, there is something for everyone: concert-goers, families and those who would like to try their hand at singing some of the world's great choral works.
The concert season opens with a performance of Brahms' Requiem on Saturday 24 November at the Colston Hall, with the accomplished orchestra New Bristol Sinfonia and soloists the young Korean soprano Hye-Youn Lee and South African baritone Njabulo Madlala - winner of the 2010 Kathleen Ferrier Competition, where The Times savoured ‘the rich velvety plush of his fearless voice, its inner warmth and its flexibility'.
A month before that concert performance, all are invited to join members of the choir to Come & Sing Brahms Requiem on Saturday 20 October. This morning of singing forms part of this year's city-wide Gathering Voices Festival of Song, and is the perfect opportunity for anyone who wants the chance to try their hand at singing one of the best-loved works of the choral repertoire under one of the country's leading choral conductors in a fun and informal setting.
Lasting just over 2 hours, the morning is open to all, whether experienced at this type of singing or not (ability to read music is desirable), and the aim is to encourage singers of all types to come along and 'give it a go'.
After taking a break last year, Handel's Messiah returns to its traditional spot on the Saturday before Christmas at the Colston Hall (22 December) - 120 years and 1 day after the first BCS Messiah at the hall on 21 December 1892. Messiah may be one of the world's (and Bristol's) most performed choral works, but the freshness and vitality of Bristol Choral Society's rendition is renowned - not least as they sing the entire work from memory (believed to be the only choir in the country to do so).
They will once again be joined by the superb Baroque orchestra Music for Awhile, led by renowned period musician Margaret Faultless.
Also returning on the same day, the 4.30pm afternoon Mini Messiah family concert preceding the evening's full performance will continue to introduce the youngest generation of Bristol children to more of this traditional masterpiece. With FREE admission for accompanied under 18s, this shortened performance with choir, orchestra and soloists has proved an enormously successful and well-received event and a magical way to start a Bristol family Christmas.
Saturday 16 February 2013 sees the second Come & Sing event of the season - the annual popular full-day version allowing more in-depth exploration of a work under conductor Adrian Partington's inspirational baton for more experienced singers. This season, the work in question will be Mendelssohn's St Paul - the work performed by Bristol Choral Society at its first ever concert back in 1889.
The choir's first Colston Hall concert of 2013 has a distinct Italian flavour, with two magnificent sacred choral works penned by giants of the world of opera - Verdi's Four Sacred Pieces and Rossini's Stabat Mater. Joined by a quartet of distinguished vocal soloists and the renowned English Symphony Orchestra, the concert on Saturday 23 March 2013 promises a tantalising mixture of the exuberance and drama of the Opera House with the spirit of the sacred text in the incomparable atmosphere of the concert hall.
In May 2013, the city's own Bristol Ensemble conclude their epic journey through Beethoven's Symphonies at the Colston Hall. Bristol Choral Society is delighted to join them for his 9th Symphony ('Choral') on Wednesday 8 May.
Concluding the season, the choir stages its annual summer concert at Bristol Cathedral on Saturday 15 June 2013. An all-Vivaldi affair, the concert includes performances of the famous Gloria, Dixit Dominus, and adding a seasonal touch, Summer from the Four Seasons with the Bristol Ensemble and soloist Roger Huckle.
Tickets for the whole season are on sale now - find out more and book online at the choir's website
Concert tickets are also available from the Colston Hall (0117 922 3686).
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