Banbury Choral Society celebrates Easter with a ‘holy trinity’ of musical gems
Lovers of choral music are in for a treat this Easter, as Banbury Choral Society will perform Stainer’s ‘Crucifixion’, Handel’s ‘Messiah – part III’ and a contemporary, ethereal work by American composer, Morten Lauridsen, called ‘Sure on This Shining Night’.
This performance will take place on Saturday 28th March at 7.30pm in the stunning acoustic of St Mary’s Church, Banbury. The 90 strong choir will be accompanied on the organ by Keith Brown, guest baritone soloist, Jack Holton and tenor, Julian Harris. They will be conducted by the choir’s musical director, Jonathan Kingston.
John Stainer was one of the most highly influential musicians of his generation and became organist of St Paul’s Cathedral in 1872.His many skills extended to taking up various positions that included conductor, composer, teacher and author as well as being an Oxford Professor. ‘The Crucifixion’ was first performed in 1887 at Marylebone Parish Church in honour of his friend William Hodge, who was also sub-organist at St Paul’s.The libretto was written by Rev William Sparrow-Simpson and includes examples of passages of great beauty including ‘God So Loved the World’ that is regularly performed as an anthem by church choirs.
George Handel’s ‘Messiah - Part III’ contains some of the composer’s most inspired writing, namely the moving soprano aria ‘I Know that My Redeemer Liveth’. Part III concentrates on Paul’s teaching of the resurrection of the dead and Christ’s glorification in heaven. It is the work of a genius and this is clearly confirmed in the rousing final choruses of ‘Worthy is the Lamb’ and ‘Amen’.
Morten Lauridsen’s choral piece is based on an untitled poem by James Agee. The poem portrays the internal experience of an individual who finds healing in contemplating the night sky. Lauridsen’s setting brings out the lyricism of the poetry with simple flowing movement in the music.
In 2027, the choir will celebrate 85 years of performing concerts in North Oxfordshire, within which time, it has developed a strong reputation for bringing a high standard of singing to the area particularly under the baton of Jonathan Kingston and their accompanist, Julian Harris. Recordings of their previous concerts can be heard on the choir’s YouTube channel.
Tickets for the concert are available from the choir’s website www.banburychoralsoc.co.uk or on the door. Doors open at 7pm.
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