“It was one of those triumphs outside the rules of art
which only the great artist can achieve”
So wrote E M Forster of Britten’s beautiful and imaginative cantata
which combines adults’ and children’s choirs in its telling of the
legend of Saint Nicolas. The work includes The Birth of Nicolas,
the strangely primitive story of The Pickled Boys, the terrible storm
at sea, and two well-known hymns for audience and choirs. The
cantata was written for the centenary celebrations of Lancing College
in July 1948, and it was the work which opened the first Aldeburgh
Festival in that same year.
This concert forms part of a new project which will develop links
with different schools in the Borough each season: the choirs of Ash
Manor School and Howard of Effingham will be taking part in St
Nicolas.
The concert will also include the winners of the Guildford
Philharmonic Choir’s Young Choirboy and Choirgirl of the Year
Competition. Details of the Singing Competition are available on
01932 343625.
Box Office: 01483 444555
Tickets: £12 (balcony), £9 (stalls), £3 (children, students &
UB40s)