‘From Parry to the Present’: A concert of English Choral Music by the Godolphin Vocal Ensemble on Saturday 5 March 2016 – St Martin’s Church, Salisbury – 7.30 p.m.
The Godolphin Vocal Ensemble (directed by Olivia Sparkhall) will join the Farrant Singers (under the direction of Andrew Mackay, Head of Classics at Godolphin) to give their premier performance of ‘The Godolphin Missa Brevis’ which has been composed by Douglas Coombes exclusively for Godolphin School, Salisbury.
The choirs will join together to perform Hubert Parry’s ‘Hear My Words’ (commissioned for The Salisbury Diocesan Festival) and Bob Chilcott’s ‘Like a Singing Bird’.
This five-movement work is full of luscious tunes, exciting rhythms and moments of intense drama; this wonderful concert is not to be missed.
The programme of English choral music from the late 19th century up to the present day includes Herbert Howell’s ‘Requiem’ (Assistant organist at Salisbury Cathedral in 1917) and Grier’s ‘Dilectus Meus Mihi’ (commissioned for the Edington Festival, Wiltshire). The organist for the concert is Simon Dinsdale and the pianist is Christopher Guild.
Dr Douglas Coombes Composer, MBE writes: ‘In musical history there are many examples of composers being inspired by a soloist or an ensemble. Such is the case with the Godolphin Vocal Ensemble. I first came across the choir when I did a workshop with them in connection with the BBC Songs of Praise School Choir of the Year Competition. I was immediately taken with the sound of the choir, their musicality and their work ethic. Over a period of six years I have heard the choir a number of times and indeed have adjudicated them and have seen a great development in the choir. I have also composed music for them which has always been performed at a high standard.
Tickets in advance £10 from Sophie Hallen, PAC Administrator hallens@godolphin.wilts.sch.uk 01722 430636 or £13 on the door (£5.00 u16s/students).