NEXT CONCERT
THE GUINNESS CHOIR AND THE ULSTER ORCHESTRA are delighted to present a performance of two rarely performed but beautiful works - the Hymn of Jesus by Gustav Holst and Hymnus Paradisi by Herbert Howells.
The text for the Hymn of Jesus was chosen from the Apocryphal Acts of St John and translated from the original Greek by Holst himself; and is set to music for two choruses, semi-chorus and full orchestra. This music made a huge impression at the time of its first performance in March 1920. One listener at the time recounted much later, “To those of us who were young then, this very new music came first as a shock and then as a revelation”. After a short prelude, based on two plainsong chants, the music bursts forth with the Hymn, Glory to thee, Father! The plainsong reappears interwoven with dazzling music for two antiphonal choirs and full orchestra.
The inspiration for the composition of Hymnus Paradisi began with the tragic death in 1935 of Howells’ son Michael from polio at the age of nine. Taking some text and music from an earlier Requiem he began to write (at his daughter’s prompting), and in his own words – “to seek release and consolation”. However the final work was only orchestrated and first performed in September 1950, at the Three Choirs Festival, after the encouragement of Herbert Sumsion, Gerald Finzi and Ralph Vaughan Williams. The text is taken from Psalms 23 and 121, Requiem aeternam and Sanctus from the Latin Requiem Mass, I heard a voice from heaven from the Burial Service and Holy is the true light from the Salisbury Diurnal. Throughout, Howells's command of choral and orchestral polyphony is masterly, with sensitive settings of the text for soprano and baritone soloists. The choral writing is both reflective and tranquil; sonorous and intense, and at all times deeply moving.
So join us for this unique event in the Irish musical calendar.
Tickets €25 (unreserved seating)
Tel: 086 8818044
E-mail: guinnesschoir@gmail.com
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Previously
GUINNESS CHOIR TAKE WEXFORD BY STORM
PERFORMING HANDEL'S "MESSIAH"
IN THE WEXFORD OPERA HOUSE
DECEMBER
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Guinness Choir blossomed with
The Sunflower Charity Concert
on 28th May 2009
in aid of Our lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross in Mt Argus Church.
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THE SOLOMON SELL-OUT!!
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St Patrick's Cathedral was full to capacity last night, Saturday 18th April, to hear the Guinness Choir play its part in the Dublin Handel Festival with a rousing rendition of "Solomon".
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The Choir and orchestra, conducted by Mr David Milne, was in stirring form as it wowed the packed church with the huge choruses, raising the rafters of the ancient cathedral.
The narrative and aria work was taken by soloists:
Olive Simpson, Nicola Mahoney, Roisin O'Grady - sopranos
Alison Browner - alto
Christopher Bowen - tenor
John Milne - bass
A veritable tour de force by all concerned!
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