Say “Hello” to the Songs of Farewell.
The Sine Nomine Singers, a local chamber choir, present a concert of English music inspired by war at St. George’s Church, Bickley on February 9.
It is 100 years since the first performance of Hubert Parry’s Songs of Farewell, and, while the choir has often included individual songs from the set in other concerts, it is the first time they have performed the songs in their entirety.
There will also be a rare chance to hear Gerald Finzi’s anthem, Lo, The Full, Final Sacrifice, a poignant response to the end of the Second World War by an English composer with Jewish heritage.
Benjamin Britten’s Hymn to St. Cecilia was also written in the 1940s, on an Atlantic crossing, and is remarkably joyous considering the risk of U-Boat attack.
Directed by Jonny Davies, the singers will be accompanied on the organ by co-founder of the choir, Stephen Davies. Anna Davey, a young viola player from Bromley Youth Music Trust, will also perform.
“If you think you know Parry’s music from famous tunes such as Jerusalem, then think again,” said choir member, Carol Whinnom. “He wrote that glorious stirring tune in 1916 when he was full of eager confidence for the way the Great War was going. However, the Songs of Farewell, completed just before he died in 1918, show a disillusioned despair, not only for his own decline, but for the loss or injury in action of so many of his students.”
Discounted tickets are available in advance online at www.wegottickets.com/theukulele or £12 on the door on the night.
St. George’s Church is on Bickley Park Road, BR1 2BE. The concert will begin at 7.30pm. For further information please contact croydongigs@virginmedia.com
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