Rossini Salve regina
Verdi Pater noster
Puccini Requiem
Verdi Stabat mater
Verdi Chorus of the Hebrew slaves
Interval
Puccini Messa di Gloria
Samuel Jenkins Tenor
Jamie Woollard Bass
Phoebe Tak Man Chow Organ
Tom Winpenny Conductor
7.30p.m St Michaels Church, Flower Lane
After the huge success of the 75th Anniversary Concert before Christmas the Pro Arte Choir returned to St Michael's Church with a programme of sacred and opera music including the Puccini Messa di Gloria.
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| A large audience for the Pro Arte Choir Spring Concert |
The first part of the concert saw the Choir sing several pieces. They opened with Rossini's Salve Regina and the selection was very suitable for the Lent season. Highlights for me were the Puccini Requiem which was slow and beautifully sung by the choir and a rousing Verdi opera chorus to complete the first part of the concert.
Following the interval the 45 minute Mass by Puccini was performed so well that there was some applause mid work after the long Gloria movement. The choir tackled the work with great enthusiasm and in the quieter sections produced a lovely sound.
We are growing accustomed to hearing leading soloists sing with the Pro Arte Choir and tonight two exceptional singers joined the choir. A soaring tenor in Stephen Jenkins and sonorous bass baritone in Jamie Woollard. They both sang with exceptional clarity and in particular created a wonderful soundscape when joined by the choir. The highlight was the final movement Agnus Dei when they dueted along with the choir. Absolutely stunning and a fantastic end to the evening.
Great applause followed from the audience and well deserved bows for all including the organist Phoebe Tak Wan who played the orchestral reductions superbly in accompaniment and of course Tom Winpenny who conducted the evening with his usual sensitivity to the text and score.
The Choir's next concert at the Church is in the Summer ( Saturday June 28th ) which usually sees Strawberries and Pimms available at the interval ! so don't miss it - see the poster below for more details. Bring friends and family for what promises to be a very special evening.
JOIN THE CHOIR :If you enjoy singing or you are a singer looking to join a choir then the Pro Arte is a welcoming choir and is not a huge impersonal choral society, and where your contribution will be valued and where you get to work with leading musicians and soloists. Singing is good for both mental health and cardio health so there are many reasons why you should join - not least to ensure another 75 years of this fantastic choir. See the poster below if you would like more information. All ages welcome.
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