Beccles Choral Society, Phoenix Singers and The Lambeth Orchestra continue their exploration of the masterpieces of romantic choral music in a performance of Elgar’s mighty choral work, “The Dream of Gerontius”.
Following their acclaimed performances of Verdi’s Requiem, Elgar’s The Music Makers and Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony, the choirs and orchestra return to Snape with conductor Geoff Lavery.
Based on the poem by Cardinal John Henry Newman, the Dream of Gerontius chronicles the journey of a dying man’s soul through death, before his ultimate arrival in Paradise.
In the first part, we meet Gerontius, a dying man. In a stirring affirmation of his faith, Gerontius prepares himself for death. He is surrounded by his friends as they pray for him, invoking the many saints and Old Testament faithfuls. As his breath fails, there is silence and then a priest sends him on his way to the after life.
In the second part, Gerontius wakens in a place without space or time, and meets his Guardian Angel who will lead him towards his God and the judgement throne. On this journey, he experiences the terrors of Demons as well as the soothing balm of a multitude of Angels.
Finally, Gerontius has an awesome, instant glimpse of God, before the Angel bids him an emotional farewell, as he sleeps ready to face the morrow and a promise of his future life in glory.
Suffolk-born mezzo-soprano Diana Moore, whose voice is praised for its richness and emotional intensity, is celebrated for her interpretations of Handel and Elgar and is a regular guest at major concert halls and festivals throughout the UK and beyond.
Internationally recognised Welsh tenor Andrew Henley has performed as a soloist with companies including Opéra de Lyon, the Mecklenburgisches Staatstheater, Stadttheater Klagenfurt, Wexford Festival Opera, Glyndebourne, Welsh National Opera, Scottish Opera and Opera North.
Former Cambridge University choral scholar bass Christopher Webb has appeared as a soloist with the Monteverdi Choir and Dunedin Consort, and maintains a busy schedule of solo and ensemble singing in the UK and abroad alongside his role as a Vicar Choral of St Paul’s Cathedral.