Nov 2024 - In Praise of Music - music for St Cecilia's day

accompanied by Gavin Stevens

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A selection of music written to celebrate St Cecilia, the patron saint of music. Finzi's "Ode to St Cecilia" formed the main work in the second half, along with Parry's "Blest Pair of Sirens". The first hald comprised a number of works by Handel, including excerpts from "Alexander's Feast" and "On St Cecilia". The soloist was Greg Tassell, and a poem was recited by Francesca Hunt.  A copy of the programme can be found here.

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June 2024 - Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas

with a baroque accompaniment

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An evening of baroque music by Henry Purcell. Two of his earlier songs were accompanied by an orchestral opening, then in second half, his ever popular Dido and Aeneas. Four outstanding guest soloists - Rebecca Leggett, Danni O'Neill, Andrew Tipple and Hugh Cutting.  A copy of the programme can be found here.

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March 2024 - Stainer's Crucifixion and Fauré's Requiem

with the Southeast Sinfonia Ensemble

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Two popular works, one very much oriented towards Easter.  The soloists were Sean Kerr (tenor) and Keiran Rayner (baritone) with a splendid treble for the Pie Jesu provided by Harry Cassidy. A copy of the programme can be found here.

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December 2023 - The Manchester Carols

with the Southeast Sinfonia Ensemble

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A very well received performance of this new selection of Christmas carols, with words by the former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, and set to music by the English composer Sasha Johnson Manning. The soloists were Lawrence White (baritone) and Eleanor Dann (mezzo). Narration was provided by Francesca Hunt. A copy of the programme can be found here.

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May 2023 - Haydn's The Seasons

with the Southeast Sinfonia

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Haydn's popular follow-up to The Creation, with Jennifer Witton (soprano), Edmund Hastings (tenor) and Andrew Rupp (bass) as soloists.   A copy of the programme can be found here.

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Dec 2022 - A Christmas Concert

with Gavin Stevens on keyboard

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A seasonal mix of choral works, carols and readings in which we were joined by the choir of Heathfield Community College. Choir works included pieces by Vaughan Williams ("Folk Songs of the Four Seasons"), Finzi ("In Terra Pax"), Rutter ("Angel's Carol") and Chilcott ("On Christmas Night"). Soloists were Theodore Butcher (treble) and Rene Bloice-Sanders (baritone).  A copy of the programme can be found here.

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May 2022 - A Walk to the Paradise Garden

with The South East Sinfonia

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A celebration of English music, including works by Frank Bridge ("A Prayer"), Vaughan Williams ("Serenade to Music"), and Paul Carr ("Requiem for an Angel"). Soloists were Sian Dicker and Rene Bloice-Sanders. A copy of the programme can be found here.

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December 2021 - Handel's MESSIAH

with The Baroque Collective

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An exceptional performance as the choir returned to indoor performances following Covid. The soloists were Jennifer Witton (soprano), Cathy Bell (mezzo), Paul Austin Kelly (tenor) and James Oldfield (bass). This was also the choirs 75th anniversary concert. A copy of the programme can be found here.

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July 2021 - Mozart Requiem

with Gavin Stevens on keyboard

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The first post-lockdown concert - outside, under a canopy, at Heathfield Community College. Despite unseasonal weather, both the choir and the audience were delighted to take part. The soloists were Jennifer Witton (soprano), Bethan Langford (mezzo), Joshua Owen Mills (tenor) and Andrew Davies (bass). A copy of the programme can be found here.

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