Gravesham Choral Society will be performing our concert MUSIC FOR REMEMBRANCE this evening - a varied programme, spanning the centuries.

Behold how good, and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity.

Psalm 133

Chichester Psalms Leonard Bernstein

Nidaros Jazz Mass Bob Chilcott

Requiem Gabriel Fauré

We are joined by soloists: soprano Emily Jennings, tenor Jack Holton, & treble Dominic Stone.        

Our accompanists are Malcolm Riley, organ, Roger Harris, piano, Hannah Runting, harp & Jonathan Vincent, percussion.

Our concert begins with Leonard Bernstein’s cantata Chichester Psalms, commissioned in 1965 by the then Dean of Chichester Cathedral, The Very Rev. Walter Hussey. The psalms are sung in Hebrew and arranged in three movements: the first an exhilarating setting of Psalm 108; the second is the well-known Psalm 23 featuring our treble soloist Dominic Stone; the final Psalm 133 is very pertinent to our current troubled times as it concludes with a plea for harmony at this time of remembrance; part of the text can be seen above.

The Psalms are followed by Bob Chilcott’s Nidaros Jazz Mass, music which reflects the importance of jazz in the composer’s life. Gravesham Choral Society were inspired by Bob Chilcott himself earlier in the year when he joined us for some singing workshops to introduce us specifically to this piece. The mass is a relatively new work as it was first performed in 2012 by the Nidaros Cathedral Girls’ Choir in Trondheim Cathedral. We will be performing a mixed-voice version arranged specially for the Kyoto Echo Choir of Japan.

After an interval, we will perform Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, one of the best-known and best-loved choral works. A widely acknowledged masterpiece, it was completed in 1890. Serenity pervades to comfort the bereaved, and the blissful final movement, In paradisum, promises a radiant future.

TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. Please click here to buy tickets.

£12 adults and £5 for full-time students