PRESS RELEASE
To:The News Editor
From: Susan Ranft-Publicity Officer, Guildford Philharmonic Choir
(Tele.01306 888870 Fax 01306 742460)
Date: 17th February 1998
Message: Please publish week beginning February 23rd, if possible.
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR PERFORMS
ELGAR’S DREAM OF GERONTIUS
CIVIC HALL, GUILDFORD
MARCH 7th at 7.30pm.
Edward Elgar’s “The Dream of Gerontius” is one of the most thrilling masterpieces in
English musical literature. The combination of Cardinal Newman’s intense and
dramatic poem about the dying Gerontius’ search for spiritual fulfilment and Elgar’s
sublime music have made this work deservedly popular.
Yet it was not always so. Its first performance in Birmingham in 1990 wasa disaster,
with both chorus master and conductor failing to get to grips with the innovations of
the music. It was a year later, in Diisseldorf, that Elgar received due acclaim and
rapturous applause. Since then it has becomea great favourite and is often performed
in Lent and at Easter, when its inspirational qualities seem especially apt.
Guildford Philharmonic Choir will be performing this work at the Civic Hall, Guildford
on 7 March. The part of Gerontius will be taken by the tenor, Richard Braebrook. In
his tenth season with the English National Opera, Richard is making a name for himself
in this réle. A recent performance at the Barbican with the City of Birmingham
Symphony Orchestra and Sarah Walker was widely acclaimed. The Angel will be sung
by the soprano, Jeanette Ager, a member of the Glyndebourne Festival Chorus and
Exhibitionist at the Royal academy of Music. The bass, Jeffrey Carl, will take the part
of the Priest and the Angel of Agony.He recently received rave reviews for his
performance in “Tosca” at Holland Park Opera. For this he was awarded the
American Express Prize for “best male singer”.
The Choir are delighted to welcome the Vasari Singers, former winners of the
Sainsbury Choir of the Year Competition, to perform the semi-chorus parts and the
orchestra, the Guildford Philharmusica.
The conductor for the evening will be the
Chorus Director of the Guildford Philharmonic Choir, Jeremy Backhouse.
The performance will begin at 7.30pm and tickets, from £9 to £12, are available from
the Guildford Civic Hall Box Office on 01483 444555.
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