Choral Gems

The Choir’s December concert includes three major choral works from three very different periods of history plus a short organ concerto by Antonio Salieri:
- Britten - Ceremony of Carols (selection) (1943)
- Charpentier - Messe de Minuit (1694)
- Salieri – Organ concerto (1773)
- Haydn - Nelson Mass (1798)

With:
- Soprano – Elaine Wogan
- Mezzo-Soprano – Jessica Wells
- Tenor – Andrew Grenon
- Baritone – James Harrison

Organ – Michael Bell and Guest orchestra
Conductor – John Jackets

Benjamin Britten wrote his cantata, A Ceremony of Carols, during World War II while crossing the Atlantic. It is a collection of short of medieval poems with Christmas themes which have become firm favourites with both choirs and audiences.

French composer Charpentier’s delightful Messe de Minuit pour Noel (Christmas Mass) is based on French folksongs for Christmas most of which are dance like in character.

The second half of the concert will begin with the third movement from Antonio Salieri’s organ concerto written in 1773 and ends with Haydn’s stunning “Nelson Mass”, arguably his greatest composition, long associated with Nelson’s victory over Napoleon.

Tickets $30 (Adults) and $12 (18 and under).

Running time: 2 hours includes a 20 minute interval.