Strings on Sunday

Presenting concerto favourites from the Italian baroque tradition. These include the popular Vivaldi Concerto in A Minor for two violins, played by orchestral leader Natalia M. Lomeiko and her former student Rewi Haar, Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in D, and a Handel Organ Concerto, together with his effervescent Arrival of the Queen of Sheba. Also on the hour-long programme will be Mozart’s sparkling Divertimento in D, K.136, and a string meditation on the Irish melody Slane, written by John Ritchie for the orchestra’s 1990 tour to Dublin. Musical director will be Don Whelan.

In 2021, CBS Music continues from February 3 its popular Lunch Plus Wednesday At One recital series, the Bach St John Passion at 8 pm on Good Friday, and another Christmas Messiah at 1.30 pm on Sunday, 12 December. The usual Lenten concert, on Palm Sunday, 28 March at 3 pm, will include Bach’s great solo cantata Ich Habe Genung, with international bass Paul Whelan, and Haydn’s Lamentatione Symphony.

The Diocesan Feast Day of St John The Baptist in June will be commemorated on 20 June, at 2 pm, by a first Christchurch performance of Bach’s St John Cantata: Freue Dich (Be Joyful, Ransomed Flock) coupled with the Mozart Solemn Vespers K339. Another Christchurch Choral Festival is planned for August 15, at 3 pm.

In place of the usual Haydn symphony and Mass, the CBS choir, orchestra and soloists will perform his oratorio The Creation at 2 pm on Sunday 12 September, to mark the beginning of a new chapter for their cathedral music in Christchurch.

A gala concert is planned for Saturday, 20 November at 7.30 pm, when it is hoped to achieve a concert performance of the Beethoven Missa Solemnis.

The CBS musical year will conclude with a performance of Haydn’s Mariazellermesse at the Christmas Midnight Mass.

The cathedral musicians maintain an extensive repertoire of masses and motets, sung each Sunday at the 10.30 a.m. Solemn Choral Mass. New members are welcome to the 7.30 pm Wednesday evening rehearsal at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral. Sight reading ability is expected. Opportunities exist for choral leaders, who enjoy unique opportunities to perform solo roles in significant Mass and motet settings with the orchestra and choir. Leadership awards, and other scholarships are available to suitable applicants. Those interested are invited to contact the CBS Musical Director, Don Whelan, phone 358-5873.