Christmas Glory
Cambridge Philharmonic ushers in the festive season
December 18 concert includes music by Buxtehude, Corelli, Tippett and Vivaldi
As Christmas approaches, the Cambridge Philharmonic Society is offering a concert of instrumental and choral music to gladden the hearts of all who are looking forward to their December break. With a mixture of reverence and sheer good cheer, the programme promises pre-season joy and satisfaction.
Starting with Buxtehude's New Born Child, the string players of the Cambridge Philharmonic will go on to tackle Corelli's beautiful Christmas Concerto before settling in to the wonderful music of Tippett's Concerto for Double String Orchestra, one of the greatest works ever written for a string ensemble. The composer splits the orchestra in two and it is in the interplay between the two halves that he creates a unique sound world, magical, playful and inspiring all at the same time.
The main work in the programme is Vivaldi's uplifting Gloria, one of
the Venetian composer's most popular works (and one of his greatest 'hits'),
with an opening that is familiar to all who love classical music. The soprano
soloist in the Gloria is Amanda Forbes, garlanded with awards in her native
Australia and now doing postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music in
London. Joining her will be Catherine Hopper (sponsored by the Dorset
Foundation and the Jospehine Baker Trust), a mezzo soprano who has studied in
Britain and Germany. Catherine made her first professional appearance at the
age of 13 at the Royal Opera House, and is gaining an increasing reputation in
opera and concert appearances all over the country.
The concert, which takes place at the Catholic Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs on Hills Road, starts at 7.30pm. Tickets (£12) are available from the Cambridge Arts Box Office (01223 503333) or on the door.
Poster available for download
Notes for editors
For further information including biographies please see our web site,
www.cam-phil.org.uk.
If you would like any interviews for your publication please contact
publicity@cam-phil.org.uk,
giving as much notice as possible.