Author Archives: vhk10

Poulenc through glass

Posted on August 31, 2023 by vhk10

I didn’t plan my Proms season, and my decision to go to the Glyndebourne Prom performance of Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites was a spontaneous one made earlier that day. This opera (did any have a more offputting title?) is one … Continue reading →

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Abbey round-up

Posted on August 28, 2023 by vhk10

I’ve sung a few services with Bath Abbey Chamber Choir in the last few months though not all (missed the ordination, for example). For the Coronation weekend in May we had appropriately themed music: Purcell’s I was glad, and another … Continue reading →

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Three Choirs 2023: the final evening

Posted on August 15, 2023 by vhk10

The Apostles – relatively rarely done because of the number of soloists required – was missing piece needed to complete my performances of the three great choral works by Elgar. I remarked before that The Kingdom will do its best … Continue reading →

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Three Choirs 2023: From Pub to Pulpit …. to pub

Posted on August 8, 2023 by vhk10

The Festival Chorus had fewer concerts than in 2016, but took park this morning event on the Thursday, a collaboration with folk ensembles Broomdasher and Coracle. Like Sancta Civitas, this was a hangover of Vaughan Williams-related programming that had been … Continue reading →

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Three Choirs 2023: Tuesday evening

Posted on August 7, 2023 by vhk10

Tuesday brought a change of orchestra with the Royal Philharmonic replacing the Philharmonia. And the most unfamiliar of the music we had to sing. Holst’s Ode to Death was only a name to me previously. As long as you can … Continue reading →

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Three Choirs 2023: the evensongs

Posted on August 1, 2023 by vhk10

I made it to two of the evensongs during the Festival. The first one was on the first Saturday: Jonathan Hope conducting the Saint Cecilia Singers, many of whom had sung in the opening service that morning and would sing … Continue reading →

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Three Choirs 2023: the first Saturday concert

Posted on July 30, 2023 by vhk10

Our first concert, on the evening of the first day, contained two choral items in the first half. Rise up, O Sun! was a new composition by Eleanor Alberga setting words by Blake. There was plenty to get your teeth … Continue reading →

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Three Choirs 2023: the opening

Posted on July 29, 2023 by vhk10

As already remarked the opening of the Festival was different this year, with a shorter service in the Cathedral after processions through the city centre had converged on it. Dr Foster would have recognised the weather, and after gathering at … Continue reading →

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Three Choirs 2023: the general view

Posted on July 28, 2023 by vhk10

Before I move on to actual concerts and services I’ll start with a few general impressions from Gloucester 2023, as compared with Gloucester 2016. The Festival Chorus was rather smaller this time, although I’d say it was at least as … Continue reading →

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I sell my soul to the Three Choirs Festival …. again

Posted on July 21, 2023 by vhk10

Actually not quite as thoroughly as last time, but I’m in the Festival Chorus for TCF Gloucester 2023 and been in rehearsal for it since the end of April. I’m singing in 3 evening concerts plus a late-morning one and … Continue reading →

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