Choral Classics Close Anniversary Festival

22 May 2010
Location: St Peter's Church
Address: London Road, Gloucester GL1 3EX
Time: 7.30 pm

Choral Classics Close Anniversary Festival

A six-week long anniversary spring festival will come to a rousing conclusion when local choir, Philomusica performs at St Peter’s Church, Gloucester later this month.

The Philomusica concert on Saturday 22 May is the climax to the festival, which celebrates the 150th anniversary of the opening of St Peter’s in 1860. Earlier events in the festival have included an organ recital by Roy Massey and concerts by Churchdown Male Voice Choir and by Chalford Silver Band.

Festival organiser, Tony Smith, said: “Philomusica have given several memorable concerts at St Peter’s in the past and we are delighted that they’ll be giving the final concert in our festival.”

The programme will include two much loved choral masterpieces, the Gloria by Vivaldi and Fauré’s serene Requiem. There’ll also be a chance to hear the Festival Te Deum by John Sanders, the distinguished organist of Gloucester Cathedral between 1967 and 1994.

Philomusica chairman, John Quinn said: “We’re honoured to be asked to take part in this festival that marks such a significant anniversary in the history of St Peter’s church. We’ve deliberately chosen two of the most popular works in the choral repertoire. We also thought it would be very fitting to include a short piece by John Sanders, who was at the heart of Gloucester’s musical life for so long. His Te Deum is a thrilling work; it’s just right for a celebratory concert and we are sure the audience will love it.”

Philomusica’s conductor, Linda Parsons, will be conducting the choir and soloists. The organist will be Simon Bertram.

Tickets are available on the door or by calling 01452 523603. They cost £7.00 and £6.00 for students and senior citizens.