Tag Archives: Elgar

a farewell service and Benedictus

Posted on February 13, 2024 by vhk10

For her final service at church, our priest in charge requested a setting of the Benedictus (meaning the morning canticle ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel’, not the movement from the Mass). This is my favourite canticle, but unless … Continue reading →

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I’m Canterbury Cathedral, who are you?

Posted on October 24, 2023 by vhk10

(Title adapted from Last Orders by Graham Swift.) October’s weekend with the Erleigh Cantors was my first visit to Canterbury for a while. I have mixed memories of the previous one – with an under-prepared choir on what turned out … 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: 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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Coronation pieces

Posted on May 27, 2023 by vhk10

I watched the Coronation ceremony with a keen ear for the music performed. I wonder which of the various new pieces I’ll be asked to sing first? (My money’s on Tarik O’Regan’s.) British coronations have been over recent centuries been … Continue reading →

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Elgar in St Paul’s outside the Walls

Posted on May 1, 2023 by vhk10

The name of the church sounds better in Italian – S Paolo fuori le Mura – and according to Wikipedia it’s the tenth largest church in the world. Still not the largest in which I’ve sung The Dream of Gerontius … Continue reading →

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My St John’s Smith Square début

Posted on April 25, 2023 by vhk10

I’m rather ashamed to say that I am not sure I’ve ever been to a concert in St John’s Smith Square (though I have heard countless broadcasts from there). However, I have now, rather unexpectedly, had the chance to perform … Continue reading →

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At last! Tribus Miraculis!

Posted on January 15, 2023 by vhk10

This piece by Marenzio had been on my wishlist for a while, after I’d heard it on numerous broadcasts at Epiphany time. It came round in the Epiphany Carol service at Bath Abbey this year. More florid in style than … Continue reading →

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a launch and an ordination

Posted on July 24, 2022 by vhk10

The last weekend of June began with the launch of Gloucester Choral Society’s 2022-23 season at a reception in the Chapter House. A chance to reminisce about the Veneto tour, enjoy the bring & share food and sing a few … Continue reading →

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