Cecilia Consort Dazzles with New Choral Work Premiere in Newbury

The Cecilia Consort delivered a captivating performance of their new choral work, A Season to Sing, at St Nicolas’ Church in Newbury on March 15, 2024. Conducted by founder and musical director Janet Coxwell, the concert featured a diverse array of vocal pieces that showcased the choir’s exceptional talent.

The evening commenced with A Hymn for St Cecilia, a stirring composition by British composer Herbert Howells. The choir’s harmonious blend and balance set a vibrant tone for the concert. Following this, the ensemble transitioned to Lux Aeterna by American composer Morten Lauridsen. This non-liturgical requiem presented a serene contrast, demonstrating the choir’s dynamic range and ability to deliver soaring phrases. Accompanied by the skilled organist Steve Bowey, the performance featured impressive lower voice entries and haunting a cappella segments.

The first half concluded with A Hymn to St Cecilia by Benjamin Britten. The choir effectively captured the playful innocence of the libretto by W.H. Auden, showcasing beautifully held solo lines that brought Britten’s unique sound to life.

After a warm introduction by composer Joanna Forbes L’Estrange, the second half of the concert featured her brand-new arrangement of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Co-commissioned by the choir to commemorate the 300th anniversary of its original publication, this arrangement was framed by two brief settings of verses from Ecclesiastes. The work celebrated the cycle of the year and incorporated a variety of vocal techniques, including whistling, scat, and body percussion.

The audience was treated to a vivid portrayal of the texts added by the composer to the original Vivaldi score. The mood shifts were further enhanced by the expert lighting designs of Simon Pike and John Cordery. The choir, alongside the remarkable organ accompaniment, conveyed their passion and enthusiasm for the piece, leaving the audience thoroughly engaged.

This premiere of A Season to Sing marked an impressive and heartwarming evening of music, showcasing the talents of the Cecilia Consort and celebrating the rich tradition of choral performance.