Southampton Philharmonic Choir
and
Southampton University Philharmonic Choir
with
Elizabeth Cragg  soprano
Kate Symonds-Joy mezzo-soprano
Gwilym Bowen  tenor
Dingle Yandell bass
David Gibson  conductor
New London SInfonia

O2 Guildhall Southampton
Saturday 26 November 2016
Performance begins at 7.30pm 

The composition of Mozart's magnificent Requiem is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. It was commissioned in 1791 by a "mysterious man in grey", whom Mozart, already very ill, took to be a visitation from the grave. Following Mozart's death later that year, the work was completed by others, but includes enough of Mozart's genius to be a masterpiece.

The concert also features the world premiere of Janet Wheeler's I sing, and ever shall, an exciting new commission that celebrates the power and joy of singing, both individually and collectively.  Poets throughout the ages have explored the link between air and breath, words and song; the libretto draws largely on poetry, including words from verses by Robert Herrick, Emily Dickinson, Rabindranath Tagore, Abraham Cowley and Sara Teasdale. There's also a joyful movement inspired by Scottish mouth music and vocal exercises, which is proving to be a great favourite with many of the singers. The finale sets a poem by Robert Herrick as an extended, lively moto perpetuo, generating an atmosphere of excitement and relish as Herrick lists the varied subjects of many of his poems. The music builds to a climactic conclusion on the words of the title ‘I Sing and Ever Shall’, a confident assertion for any choir to embrace.

This is a unique opportunity to hear a brand new composition paired with one of the most recognisable in the choral repertoire.

The programme opens with Mozart's Serenade No 6 (Serenata Notturna) K, 239, a lively and spirited piece in three short movements, scored for two small groups: a kind of concertino consisting of two violins, viola, and bass, and a tutti made up of strings and timpani.

Tickets on sale online and from the box office (Civic Centre, NorthGuild, Southampton SO14 7LP). Telephone:  023 8063 2601      Group concessions:   023 8083 3612      

Booking fees apply to phone orders made via the Guildhall box office and to orders made via the Guildhall website. However, there are no additional fees payable if you:

• Buy your tickets from a choir member.
• Buy your tickets directly from the Guildhall Box Office, in person. You can pay by cash, credit or debit card but cheques are not accepted. You may reserve seats by phone; the Guildhall Box Office will give you a booking reference but payment will have to made, in person, within 5 working days.