{"id":1451,"date":"2014-11-26T16:10:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-26T16:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/cantusfirmus\/?p=1451"},"modified":"2014-11-26T20:00:12","modified_gmt":"2014-11-26T20:00:12","slug":"new-term-new-faces-new-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/cantusfirmus\/2014\/11\/26\/new-term-new-faces-new-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"New term, new faces – new projects"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

The start of the academic year is always something of a whirlwind, and this year’s been no exception, such that it’s only now, three weeks before term ends, that I’m finally able to catch up with writing about choral exploits so far. So apologies, loyal readers (both of you), for taking so long to find the time to reflect on what’s happened – but there’s lots to tell…<\/p>\n

\"Chamber_Choir_2014web\"The Chamber Choir<\/strong>, phoenix-like, has risen anew once more – over half the Choir is new this year – and has been busy exploring a range of repertoire for the annual concert in the Cathedral Crypt in March. Before that, though looms the University Carol Service – always a high point in the Choir’s performing calendar – and we’re currently busy learning a fistful of pieces; this year, one of the carols is the radiantly-colourful Hymn to the Virgin<\/em> written by Edinburgh-based Steven Griffin, which was originally written for the Kings’ Singers and won the Classic FM ‘Carol for Christmas’ competition in 2012. It’s nice to be exploring a different setting to the customary one by Britten, and the work’s purple-hued\u00a0harmonic language is really starting to blossom as the Choir grows in confidence. This year’s student conductor, fourth-year Emma Murton, is also working on Ravenscroft’s meditative Remember, O Thou Man<\/em>, for the Big Church in a couple of weeks’ time.<\/p>\n

\"Cecilian_Choir_2014\"The Cecilian Choir<\/strong> has also burst into life, and is currently rehearsing Monteverdi’s Beatus Vir<\/em> and Hassler’s Alleluja<\/em>, two vibrant pieces which explore textural variation within the ensemble to dramatic effect; and the Monteverdi is certainly keeping us on our toes…<\/p>\n

Both Choirs will come together at the end of term in two festive performances – the first at Beach Creative arts centre in Herne Bay on Tues 16 December<\/strong>, and then on Weds 17 December<\/strong> with a final choral flourish on the foyer-stage.<\/p>\n

\"Click<\/a>

Click to view<\/p><\/div>\n

The Lost Consort<\/strong> has also been working hard in preparation for a seasonal performance of Britten’s Ceremony of Carols<\/em>, which we’re giving in the ancient undercroft of the old Pilgrims’ Hospital, Eastbridge, in Canterbury on Friday 5 December<\/strong>; the candle-lit performance starts at 5pm and is free to attend, and promises to be an evocative way to herald the festive season.<\/p>\n

The University Chorus<\/strong> is about to take flight as well on Saturday 13 December in Mozart’s Vespers<\/em>; plenty to look forward to over the coming weeks; choral life at Kent is as busy, and as exciting, as ever. Stay tuned…<\/p>\n