The Thames Philharmonic Choir’s 16 June concert will celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with music written for royal occasions through the centuries. Conducted by Artistic Director John Bate and featuring mezzo soprano Chloe Hinton and organist Stephen Disley.

The programme includes well-loved choral works celebrating the reign of our present Queen, together with anthems for the Coronations of both George II in 1727 and Edward VII in 1902. These will be complemented by works in honour of Elizabeth I and William Walton’s Marches written for the Coronations of 1937 and 1953, played by one of the UK’s leading organists, Stephen Disley of Southwark Cathedral.

The mezzo soprano Chloe Hinton has proved enormously popular with audiences at previous concerts and on this occasion she will sing songs by Henry Purcell from King Arthur and The Fairy-Queen as well as Herbert Howells’s setting of Walter de la Mare’s King David.

The evening’s programme includes:
• George Frederick Handel’s Zadok the Priest and The King shall rejoice, two of the four anthems composed for the Coronation of George II in 1727.

• Hubert Parry’s I was glad when they said unto me, written for the 1901 Coronation of Edward VII – and performed at the Royal Wedding in 2011.

• William Byrd’s O Lord, make thy servant Elizabeth our Queen, dating from 1570, the biblical text cleverly adapted to refer to Elizabeth rather than to King David.

• Madrigals from The Triumphs of Oriana, the1601 collection written in praise of Queen Elizabeth I.

• Silence and music by Ralph Vaughan Williams and The Hills by John Ireland, from A Garland for the Queen, a collection of part songs written to celebrate the Accession in 1952.

• The Choral Dances from Gloriana, Benjamin Britten’s opera on the life of Elizabeth I.

• William Walton’s Marches Crown Imperial and Orb and Sceptre, written respectively for the Coronations of 1937 and 1953.

Looking forward to the concert, conductor John Bate says:
“The Choir always enjoys the opportunity for a programme of varied music at our final major concert of the season. We are especially pleased to contribute to the nation’s celebration of this wonderful Jubilee.”

The Thames Philharmonic Choir was founded in1964. Based in Richmond, Wandsworth and Kingston, it performs locally, in central London, in summer residencies in the great cathedrals and on regular short tours to South West Germany. It enjoys full and varied programming and high standards, and performs with orchestras and soloists of the best quality. Repertoire ranges from the Renaissance through the great choral and orchestral classics to recent, contemporary and new works. New members are always welcome. Free membership is offered to students.

 

May 15, 2012