A Ceremony of Light: Southrepps Chorale Presents a Winter Concert of Classical Masterpieces
As winter approaches and the days grow shorter, the Southrepps Chorale is preparing to illuminate the historic St. James Church with their upcoming concert, “A Ceremony of Light.” Scheduled for Saturday, December 6th, this musical celebration promises to bring warmth and brilliance to the North Norfolk community during the darkening days of early December. The concert, running from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, will showcase a carefully curated selection of uplifting classical works, creating a perfect evening of musical contemplation as the year draws to a close. This event represents the continuing tradition of choral excellence that the Southrepps Chorale has established in the region, offering locals and visitors alike an opportunity to experience magnificent music in the atmospheric setting of a traditional English church.
The centerpiece of the evening will be Mozart’s Solemn Vespers, featuring the particularly renowned Laudate Dominum movement, which is celebrated for its transcendent beauty. Despite its somewhat austere title, Vijaya Fordington from the Chorale notes that this work is anything but somber: “The title of this wonderful, uplifting music, Solemn Vespers, composed for religious performance in Salzburg Cathedral, does not entirely convey its character, which is by turns exuberant and serene.” Audiences will also be treated to Mozart’s virtuosic solo soprano piece Exsultate, Jubilate, which will showcase the talents of featured soprano Alexandra Bryant. These selections demonstrate Mozart’s genius in creating music that is simultaneously intellectually complex and emotionally accessible, works that have continued to move listeners for centuries with their perfect balance of technical brilliance and heartfelt expression.
The program extends beyond Mozart to include other beloved choral masterpieces that have stood the test of time. Handel’s majestic coronation anthem “Zadok the Priest,” with its surprising and thrilling build to a glorious choral entrance, will surely raise the rafters of St. James Church. This piece, composed for the coronation of King George II in 1727, has been performed at every British coronation since, and its power to awe remains undiminished. Sir Hubert Parry’s “I was Glad,” another royal ceremonial piece written for the coronation of Edward VII, offers a different but equally stirring expression of celebratory grandeur. These works represent the pinnacle of British ceremonial music, pieces designed to elevate important moments and create an atmosphere of solemnity and joy – precisely the atmosphere the Chorale aims to create in their winter concert.
Adding contemporary contrast to these classical masterworks, the Chorale will also perform pieces by Susannah Self and Bob Chilcott, bringing a modern sensibility to the program while maintaining the concert’s thematic coherence. Dr. Susannah Self, who serves as the Chorale’s director, is a respected composer in her own right, adding a personal connection to the performance of her work. Bob Chilcott, a former member of the King’s Singers and a prolific composer of accessible yet sophisticated choral music, represents the continuing vitality of the British choral tradition. The inclusion of these contemporary pieces demonstrates the Chorale’s commitment to presenting a diverse program that honors both tradition and innovation, creating a musical journey that spans centuries while remaining relevant to today’s audiences.
The musical forces assembled for this concert promise a performance of the highest quality. Under the direction of Dr. Susannah Self, a composer and conductor with extensive experience, the Chorale will be supported by accomplished instrumentalists Cathy Al-Bay on piano and David Ballard on organ. The featured soprano soloist, Alexandra Bryant, will take center stage for Mozart’s challenging Exsultate, Jubilate, which demands both technical precision and expressive depth. St. James Church itself, located on Clipped Hedge Lane in Southrepps (Norwich NR11 8NR), provides an ideal acoustic and spiritual setting for this program, its ancient stones and sacred purpose enhancing the resonance of the music. Following the performance, attendees are invited to enjoy refreshments, offering an opportunity to discuss the music and connect with performers and fellow audience members in a convivial atmosphere.
Tickets for this special evening are priced at £15 each, with free admission for those under 18, making the concert accessible to younger audiences and families. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the evening of the concert, though advance booking is recommended to ensure availability. For those wishing to secure their seats in advance, tickets are available through www.ticketsource.co.uk with no additional booking fee – a convenience for those planning ahead. Additional information can be obtained by emailing [email protected], and those interested in learning more about the Chorale and its activities can visit the official website at www.southreppschorale.org.uk. “A Ceremony of Light” promises to be not just a concert but a community experience, bringing together music lovers to celebrate the timeless power of choral music as winter descends on the Norfolk countryside.
