Mass of the Children | City Choir Dunedin

Programme:

John Rutter - Mass of the Children Benjamin Britten - Rejoice in the Lamb David Hamilton - Dance-Song to the Creator David Hamilton - Three Spirituals

City Choir Dunedin Columba Junior Madrigal Choir Southern Sinfonia ensemble Soloists: Cathy Sim, Calla Knudson-Hollebon, Clinton Fung, Peter Wigglesworth, James Burchell David Burchell - Conductor

This concert, conducted by David Burchell, celebrates works by the twentieth century composers John Rutter, Benjamin Britten and New Zealander David Hamilton. The Southern Sinfonia will accompany the Choir, Columba Junior Madrigal Choir will provide children’s voices and young voice students will be given the opportunity to perform in public with a massed choir and professional orchestra.

“Mass of the Children” is, unquestionably, John Rutter's most magnificent, powerful and emotional composition. Described as “absolutely breathtaking”, it is Rutter at his best. It has the added beautiful element of a children's chorus and the exquisite blending of children and adult voices in Rutter's wonderfully mesmerizing writing. Composed in 2003, two years after the tragic death of his young son, and thought to be Rutter’s way of paying tribute to his son, this work is full of promise. It is exciting and engaging. The soaring vocal lines of the combined choirs in the final movement are positively chilling!

Also on the programme are Benjamin Britten's “Rejoice in the Lamb”, or Festival Cantata, contemporary compositions by David Hamilton, “Dance-Song to the Creator” and "Three Spirituals". These works will combine to create a musical pallet which will be contemporary, dramatic and romantic.