Ex Cathedra announce new concert dates
After a series of sell-out events in December, Ex Cathedra has launched a programme of concerts in Birmingham, Hereford and London this spring,.
The Rachmaninoff 150 series continues with performances of Rachmaninoff’s ‘Vespers’ or All-Night Vigil at Hereford Cathedral on 10 Februaryruary and St Martin-in-the-Fields, London on 27 Februaryruary.
Recent discoveries from the original 1915 poster inform the performance of this powerful work, and bells, so dear to Rachmaninoff, will sound the chants between the movements – chants drawn from the Znamenny tradition, Greece and, poignantly, from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.
Baroque Passion explores heart-rending music by Purcell, Lotti, Monteverdi, Carissimi, Bach and Scarlatti, at Birmingham’s Town Hall on 11 Februaryruary. Bittersweet, sinuous and yearning for resolution, this programme for the start of Lent tells of sacrifice and healing. We share Mary’s anguish in Scarlatti’s dazzling Stabat Mater and Bach’s optimism in his stunning double-choir motet Komm, Jesu, komm.
Bach’s St John Passion at Symphony Hall on Good Friday will mark the 300th anniversary of the first performance in Leipzig in 1724.
The human drama of the story - Pilate’s dilemma, Peter’s denial - plus the emotion of the characters makes this a compelling pilgrimage, whatever your belief. In this anniversary performance, the choir incorporate chorale preludes, motets, congregational hymns and readings to offer a contemporary reconstruction of the Good Friday service as Bach knew it.
Jeffrey Skidmore, artistic director of Ex Cathedra, said: “What distinguishes an Ex Cathedra performance? Freshness is frequently mentioned, even in pieces we have often performed, as is the quality of our team of soloists who also sing in the choruses and are part of the choir and the Ex Cathedra Consort.
“This company of skilled singers who work regularly together help create the stylistic consistency that is one of the hallmarks of Ex Cathedra’s work. Our programme is for everyone. I hope to see you soon.”
Click here for full details of the season with tickets available from £15 (£5 for children and students in full-time education).
