The Choir of St James’ Celebrates Britten, St Cecilia and The Festive Season

In a triple celebration of the birth centenary of Benjamin Britten (b 22nd November 1913), the Feast Day of St Cecilia, the patron saint of music, (also 22nd November) and the approaching festive season,  The Choir of St James’ King Street and organist Alistair Nelson, directed by Warren Trevelyan-Jones are joined by harpist Alice Giles, to present A Ceremony of Carols.

Centred on the music of Benjamin Britten, the choir will present some of his most significant works, including the William Blake-inspired Rejoice in the Lamb and pay homage to the mediaeval period in A Ceremony of Carols.

The programme contains some of the best of Britten’s writing, showcasing his incomparable talent for marrying text with music and his gift for choral, solo and instrumental composition, especially for treble voices. His masterful use of harmony seamlessly combines mediaeval melodies with modern aesthetics.

The Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Ralph Vaughan-Williams (1872–1958), contemporary of Britten, complements the programme along with some miscellaneous traditional carols to round out the evening,

Alice Giles is celebrated as one of the world’s leading harp soloists. The Australian-born musician has been a guest artist at numerous festivals, and has performed extensively both in recital and with orchestras in Europe, America, Australia, and Israel. She has premiered new works for the harp, has commissioned many new works by Australian composers and has an international reputation as a teacher, giving master classes in several of the world’s top music schools. 

Programme: includes

BRITTEN Hymn to St Cecilia

              Rejoice in the Lamb

Interval

BRITTEN A Ceremony of Carols

RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Fantasia on Christmas Carols

A Selection of Miscellaneous Carols 

Tickets: $50/45; to book call (02) 8256 2222 or  visit www.cityrecitalhall.com, or purchase at the door.