Saturday 8th June, 7:30pm Bernstein, Chichester Psalms
With Director of Music, John Linker conducting, the Christchurch City Choir’s second concert of the year features Jeremy Woodside (organ), Hamish Dark (treble), Helen Webby (harp) and Ciaran Wright (percussion). Leonard Bernstein began writing the 3 movement work in 1963, in response to a request for a work to feature in the Chichester Cathedral’s Music Festival two years later. While adhering to the norms of choral Church music, Bernstein used only Hebrew text and so was able to use the melodic and rhythmic contours of the Hebrew language to dictate mood and melodic character. The contrasts in mood vary from the fiery Psalm 2 “Why do the nations rage?” to the peace and tranquility of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd”. Here Bernstein’s use of harp accompaniment, (played by Helen Webby), is a musical evocation of King David, the shepherd-psalmist. Chichester Psalms is tuneful, tonal and contemporary, featuring modal melodies and unusual meters. From the time of its sold-out world premiere at Philharmonic Hall on July 15, 1965 conducted by the composer himself, it was apparent that Bernstein had created a magically unique blend of Biblical Hebrew verse and Christian choral tradition; a musical depiction of the composer’s hope for brotherhood and peace. Other Psalms performed will include Mozart's Laudate Dominum (Psalm 117), Brahms' How Lovely are thy Dwellings (Psalm 84), Elgar's Great is the Lord, (Psalm 48), Vaughan Williams' O Clap your Hands (Psalm 47), Purcell's I was Glad (Psalm 122), Bloch's Psalm 19 and Mathias' Psalm 100 for organ. Tickets through Humanitix |
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Welcome"Inspiring, and aspiring to choral excellence"
The Christchurch City Choir has a long and proud tradition of delivering both sublime symphonic and charming eclectic choral works to city audiences. From Handel's 'Messiah' and Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy', to modern masterpieces like Eric Whitacre's 'Virtual Choir' pieces and Karl Jenkins' 'The Armed Man - mass for peace', the Choir sings works that are thrilling, interesting and beloved. in 2021 the choir celebrated 30 years singing for Christchurch audiences. Thank you to our supporters, audiences and singers for everything you do. Join the ChoirWould you love to sing in the Christchurch Town Hall?
The Christchurch City Choir welcomes new singers of all ages and backgrounds, so if you can read music and have a joy of singing, we would love to hear from you. Rehearsals are Tuesdays 7.30pm-9.30pm. Please email us if you have questions about joining, to visit a rehearsal, or arrange an audition. NEW MEMBERS please note mask wearing is now optional at rehearsal. |
Put these concert dates in your diary ...
Concert Dates 2024 8 June Bernstein, Chichester Psalms 3 August Will Todd, Mass In Blue 9 November Last Night of the Proms 7 December Handel, Messiah Support usAs a not-for-profit arts organisation, we rely heavily on the generosity of our supporters and sponsors. If you would like to make a donation, deposits can be made directly to our bank account:
03-1592-0077478-00 (For international banking, use SWIFT Code WPACNZ2W) Please let us know if you would like a tax receipt or acknowledgement by contacting us. If you would like to know more about sponsorship opportunities for the Choir, please contact us. We Hire Music
We have an extensive library of music to hire. Get in touch via our contact form if you have a question about hiring music. |