As the final term gets underway today, preparations are already apace for the final two choral engagements for the Chamber and Cecilian Choirs of the year.
A titanic event looms, as both choirs combine to perform out at St. Vincent’s Church, Littlebourne on Friday 10 June; the programme includes the ‘Agnus Dei’ from Frank Martin’s sublime Mass for Double Choir, which I blogged about back in December with an audio link: it’s a dream come true, to be able to perform part of the work.
Each choir will perform some of their solo ensemble pieces, and will come together for a further two pieces during the same concert; I’ve not been to Littlebourne since last year, and can’t quite remember the dimensions of the performing space, so I’m hoping there’ll be enough room to accommodate both choirs at the same time!
The Chamber Choir will also bid farewell to the year with an appearance in the Sunday concert as part of ArtsFest on 12 June, which sees performances also from the Concert Band, Chorus and Symphony Orchestra; I can’t tell you what the Choir will be singing at the concert, as it’s top-secret – suffice to say, it’s a recent chart-topper straight from the pop charts, and is sure to have everyone singing along if they haven’t forgotten the words… (see what I did, there ?).
As rehearsals begin this week, it’s also a sign the end is in sight, always a sad occasion, as final-year students leave; both Choirs, when they return in October, will be completely different. But I console myself with the reflection that it’s the process, not the product, that is the great delight with the choirs; the year-long round of rehearsing and performing, learning repertoire, crafting the sound, and getting to know each other over the course of the year that is what choral singing here at Kent is all about. We’re lucky to have two such ensembles, indeed a vibrant Music Department, at a university which doesn’t offer a formal Music degree at its Canterbury campus: it’s been a terrific year, and although the last concerts indicate the end of another year, they will be great occasions as well. We’ll be keeping you posted here as we rehearse over these last weeks before the concerts: don’t miss them…