Vivace Chorus, Guildford Choral Society, The London Chorus, Twickenham Choral, Tiffin Choirs, Farnham Youth Choir
We are delighted to be joining forces with the Vivace Chorus for their conductor Jeremy Backhouse’s final concert, Berlioz’s grand masterpiece, Te Deum.
The thrilling combination of the combined voices of four adult choirs, two youth choirs, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra with Royal Albert Hall’s organ and world-renowned soloists Lucy Crowe and Nicky Spence will guarantee a night to remember.
An all-French programme begins with the remarkable Daphnis et Chloé 2nd suite by Ravel. Rarely performed with choir, this is a lush, passionate work that creates a sensuous atmosphere using romantic harmonies and suggestive wordless singing. It’s an astonishing work to hear live – Ravel fans will travel far and wide to hear the full score performed!
We follow this with the wonderful Gloria by Poulenc – one of his most celebrated pieces. The Gloria certainly has an air of the operatic about it. With stunning soloist Lucy Crowe on stage, this will be a memorable performance.
The Berlioz Te Deum is the first piece that Jeremy Backhouse, our conductor, was asked to train the choir for as a newly appointed Chorus Master of Vivace Chorus in 1995. So it is fitting that he has brought us full circle by conducting this epic work with such huge forces in this concert. From the first stunning chords and the massed voices of over 500 singers, including our youth choirs – Tiffin School Choirs and Farnham Youth Choir – to the intimacy of the Dignare, it’s a work that pulls the listener into its unique soundscape.
Dedicated to Albert, Prince Consort of Queen Victoria, it’s also the perfect piece to play at the Royal Albert Hall!
Conducted by Jeremy Backhouse
