WFCS CONCERTS FOR THE 2008/2009 SEASON

All concerts will be conducted by Adrian Lucas and will take place in Worcester Cathedral commencing at 7.30 p.m.

Saturday 22nd November 2008

Haydn - Stabat Mater
Mozart – Litaniae Lauretanae

Soloists:
Soprano:   Paula Greenwood
Mezzo:      Harriet Goodwin
Tenor:       Simon Wall
Bass:         Alexander Robin Baker

Orchestra: Queen's Park Sinfonia 

Haydn's Stabat Mater was written in 1767 and was greatly praised by his contempories. Haydn was inspired by the text and is quoted as saying "I set to music with all my power the highly esteemed hymn called Stabat Mater".

Mozart's Litanies were composed nine years later during his time in Salzburg when he was seizing every opportunity to display his skills.  This is one of his most personal and greatest masterpieces.

Saturday 6th December 2008

Handel – Messiah

Soloists:
Soprano:     Lisa Wilson
Alto:            Catherine King
Orchestra:   Westminster Chamber Orchestra

The Messiah was written in 1741 in a frenzied three-week burst of activity. Handel was a supporter of the Foundling Hospital in London which, in its time,  gave shelter to 46,000 children. Handel gave annual benefit performances of his Messiah in the Hospital's Chapel and in his will he left a fair copy of the score to the Foundling Hospital. It is very fitting that we should use the Messiah to celebrate Jesus' birth in the wonderful setting of Worcester Cathedral.

Saturday 28th March 2009

Brahms – Ein Deutsches Requiem

Soloists:
Soprano:    Alwyn Mellor
Baritone:    Jonathan Gunthorpe
Orchestra:  ESO Symphony Orchestra

Brahm's Ein Deutsches Requiem was premiered in 1868 in Bremen Cathedral. It is not a setting of the Mass for the Dead but a personal selection of texts from the Lutheran Bible. It was received with great acclaim and ranks amongst the loftiest music ever  given to the world, containing such gems as the radiant choral vision of heavenly bliss "How lovely are thy dwellings, O Lord of Hosts". A treat not to be missed.