An Eastertide Concert by the South London Singers

In the first half of the 20th century, many churches which could raise decent choirs would traditionally alternate annually between two works written either side of the turn of the century for performance at Passiontide. These were John Stainer’s ‘The Crucifixion’ (1887) and John Maunder’s cantata ‘Olivet to Calvary’ (1904). The latter work has not survived as well as ‘The Crucifixion’ in terms of the frequency of modern-day performances and there appears to be just one recording available for purchase, itself dating from 60 years ago. This piece will be the main item in our concert, and it is our first performance of one of Maunder’s works.

In addition, the programme will include Gabriel Fauré's lovely ‘Cantique de Jean Racine’ and Sir Michael Tippett’s ‘Five Spirituals’ in the unaccompanied version. Originally, these were part of Tippett’s oratorio ‘A Child of our Time’. This was written in the early years of the Second World War. Tippett, as well as struggling with his own mental health, was much affected by the story of a Jewish activist whose assassination of a Nazi official led to fierce retaliation in what was known as ‘Kristallnacht’. The oratorio relates to the experiences of all oppressed people. These five African-American spirituals were used by Tippett to delineate sections of the work much as chorales do in J.S.Bach’s Passions. In the version to be performed in our concert, converted to an unaccompanied format by the composer in 1958, the original orchestral lines have been covered by dividing the Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass lines in places and adding ‘Leaders’: strong solo singers from the choir. Other pieces suitable for this stage of the liturgical year will also be included.

There will be a short interval during which drinks will be available