This evening's concert comprises two spectacular works of the Classical Oratorio repertoire performed by Eastbourne Choral Society and resident ensemble Brandenburg Sinfonia, and conducted by John Harcorn. In the first half, Haydn's historic Nelson Mass, or Mass in Troubled Times, written during the turbulent 1790s as Vienna found itself under threat from Napoleon Bonaparte and his army - the austere key of D minor and at times bleak orchestration reflect the historical context all too well. After the interval the drama continues with Mozart's Requiem. With its colourful orchestration, beautiful solos and exciting choruses it's easy to hear why this is one of Mozart's best-loved works and a firm festival favourite.
- Haydn Nelson Mass
- Mozart Requiem
Eastbourne Choral Society
Brandenburg Sinfonia
Soprano - Catrina Woodruff
Mezzo soprano - Thalie Knights
Tenor - Paul Austin Kelly
Bass - Josik Kotz
Organ - Nicholas Houghton
Conductor - John Harcorn
Tickets £23 (premium) £18 (unreserved) children £5 - book online now.
The premium package includes reserved seat + programme + interval drink.
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
The Eastbourne Choral Society exists to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of choral music and to encourage both members of the choir and its audiences to further their knowledge of choral works. The choir was founded in September 1993 by Elizabeth Muir-Lewis, who was also the Musical Director for ten years. At present, the choir's Musical Director is the distinguished singer, teacher and conductor, John Hancorn.
Eastbourne Choral Society performs three major concerts a year and takes part in other musical events in the town. At present the membership numbers approximately 90. The choir is fortunate in that it has the opportunity to work with some excellent instrumentalists and soloists. As well as long-established works, those by 20th Century composers such as Rutter and Britten, are included in their repertoire. Highlights of previous seasons have been the Eastbourne premiere of Howard Goodall’s Eternal Light, Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius (which hadn’t been performed in the town for many years) and, in December 2016, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with Neil Jenkins as the Evangelist, singing from the score which he had edited and translated.