Join Durham University Chamber Choir for an evening of choral music that celebrates the power of poetry; from the captivating writings of Wilfred Owen from the World Wars to the conflicts of the body and soul in Holst’s Evening Watch, there’s an eclectic selection of song to bring together the choir’s season.
“In Poetry & Song” is a celebration of the power of poetry to bring to life its ideas when set to music. This journey of song unpicks the themes of the Natural, Inner Thought, Conflict, Storytelling and Dialogue with a vast mix of composers and time periods.
The evening begins with an exploration of Stanford’s Partsong writings (op. 119) which are a set of 8 short compositions set to the poetry of Mary Elizabeth Coleridge in the 19th century. In the midst of this performance is a stunning addendum to the famous “Blue Bird” with Bingham’s “The Drowned Lovers”, a haunting text of love that is set in a background of natural beauty.
The return from the interval instantly re-acquires the listeners’ attention with the cries of war instilled in Esenvald’s moving “Soldier’s Mother’s Lullaby”, and Elgar’s “They Are at Rest”, texts and melodies which haunt us as they place us centred in the pain and suffering of our history.
The final selections of music bring new peace and tranquility with a set of Partsongs from British composer Phillip Cooke, with words from Tennyson, Lawrence and Housman – his songs are contrasting and conclude with luscious, gentle tones from the choir. In a final theme of dialogue, which explores the unique aspect of two entities in poetry, we hear the warmth of Judith Weir and Gustav Holst's lethargic yet tingling “Evening Watch”.
As the final concert of this exquisite choir’s season, join us in St Cuthbert’s Church for an evening of high-quality, moving and powerful music that celebrates the best composers and poets in harmony.
£12 Standard
£10 Concession
£8 Performing Arts Members
This event is taking place at St Cuthbert's Catholic Church, Old Elvet, DH1 3HL.
The concert begins at 7.30pm and lasts approximately an hour and a half. Doors will open 45 minutes before the concert begins.