‘HERO OF CHORAL MUSIC’ COMES TO EDINGTON

Bob Chilcott, a former member of the world famous King’s Singers, and one of the most widely performed composers of choral music in the world, is coming to Edington Priory Church on Saturday June 20th to take a day-long choral workshop on his own St John Passion as a fundraiser for the Edington Music Festival. Edington Arts is calling all singers to come and join in what is going to be a wonderful day’s music making with an inspirational conductor.

Bob has been described as “a contemporary hero of British Choral Music”, and his works reflect his wide taste in music styles and his commitment to writing music that is both singable and communicative. The choral elements of his St John Passion are not overly difficult, but are emotionally highly charged and will be extremely rewarding to sing.

It was premiered in 2013 by Wells Cathedral Choir. A recording has just been released, assuring this wonderful piece of music a place among the great sacred compositions of modern times. Anyone belonging to a Choir or Choral Society may well find this on their programme in the coming years!

The day will end with a public run-through performance, accompanied on the Priory Church’s amazing new Harrison & Harrison organ by former Festival Organist and Dauntsey School’s Assistant Director of Music Chris Totney. The soprano soloist Laurie Ashworth, who sang on the recording, will be one of the soloists for the concert, and will be joined by tenor Matthew Sandy as the Evangelist, Michael Hickman as Pilate, and Daniel Tate as Jesus.

Applications have already been received from singers in Southampton, Portsmouth, Bath, Trowbridge, South Perrott in Dorset, Ashbury and Burford in Oxfordshire, Devizes, Melksham and Dundee – yes, Dundee, Scotland – so don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to work with one of the great choral composers and directors of our time!

The cost of the workshop, which starts with registration at 9.30am and finishes at 5.30pm, is £20, or £10 for those in full time education or training. Concert tickets will be £10; the concert runs from 6-7pm. Application forms can be downloaded from www.edingtonarts.org, or obtained by emailing anne@edingtonarts.org, or phoning Anne Curtis on 01380 831454.