Poulenc’s haunting setting of the Stabat Mater captures the profound emotion felt by Mary at her son’s crucifixion. In places, rich choral harmonies create a wash of sound while a solo soprano voice floats above the choir. In contrast, fiery and tempestuous choral movements reflect the intensity of Mary’s grief.
Poulenc’s Piano Concerto has its serious and fun loving elements, culminating in a quick fire, helter skelter finale, requiring nimble fingers. The work was premiered in Boston in 1950, with Poulenc himself at the piano. We look forward to a dazzling performance by our outstanding soloist, Nico de Villiers.
Vaughan Williams’s 5 Mystical Songs for baritone, choir and orchestra are settings of poems by the 17th century priest and poet, George Herbert and reflect the poet’s intrinsic spirituality. The first four songs are quite personal meditations in which the soloist takes a key role, while the choir bursts forth in the final Antiphon, a triumphant hymn of praise: Let all the world in every corner sing!
Lewisham Choral Society is one of London’s foremost community choirs. We perform regularly at major London venues, including a recent performance at St John’s Smith Square last summer, and a sell out Verdi Requiem at the Royal Festival Hall last April.
Piano soloist, accompanist and vocal coach Nico de Villiers has performed extensively in the UK, Europe, the USA and South Africa. Previously assistant music director of Lewisham Choral Society Nico is now deputy director of vocal studies at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Our music director Dan Ludford-Thomas enjoys a busy schedule as a conductor, chorus master and singing teacher. He directs a wide variety of choirs and performs regularly in major concert venues across the country.
We are delighted to be joining forces once again with the Forest Philharmonic, one of London’s leading amateur orchestras, with players drawn from London and the South East. Based in East London for over 50 years, the orchestra has gained an impressive reputation for the high quality and vitality of its performances.