What do vivacious Vivaldi and a modern anthem to peace have in common?
The answer is ...the Danesborough Chorus!
The choir takes you on an adventure in musical contrasts on Saturday 28th March, 7.30 pm, in St Mary's Parish Church, Woburn, with Baroque masterpieces by Antonio Vivaldi and Georg Philipp Telemann and an 'up and coming' modern classic by Cecilia McDowall.
Vivaldi's music was forgotten after his death in 1741. His Gloria, a joyful, warmly Italian hymn of praise, was rescued from obscurity in 1939 to become a much loved work in the choral repertoire. His Magnificat is more 'off-the-beaten-track', an unjustly neglected work that offers dramatic, highly infectious music to delight all fans of Baroque.
Telemann's Suite in D is taken from his collection of Tafelmusik, the German title for music to entertain guests at dinner. Telemann wrote: "I do hope this work will one day contribute to my fame".
Its dazzling duets for oboe and trumpet, its lightness of spirit, and tuneful melodies that suit perfectly each instrument ensure Telemann would not feel disappointed.
Cecilia McDowall won the 2014 British Composer for Choral Music award. McDowall wrote the hauntingly beautiful Ave Maris Stella as an anthem to peace and it was first performed in Portsmouth Cathedral on Armistice Day 2001. You can look forward to tranquil purity, with occasional dissonant harmonies.
The choir, conducted by Ian Smith, is joined by the Alina Orchestra and soloists Susan Gilmore Bailey (soprano) and Anna Huntley (mezzo soprano).
Tickets are £20 and £15 (reserved), £10 (unreserved), under 18s £5. Call to book on 01525 373512.
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