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Hexham Orpheus Choir and Orchestra will be performing Verdi Requiem, a very dramatic and operatic piece of music in the majestic setting of Hexham Abbey, Northumberland at 7.30pm on Saturday May 12 2018. Our Director Mark Edwards is ambitious in presenting this work which is scored for four soloists, a mixed double choir choir and large orchestra; it is not performed very often.
The first performance in the church of San Marco, Milan, in 1874 was repeated at La Scala three days later where it was an instant success. Few choral works have captured the public imagination as much as Verdis Requiem. Verdi uses vigorous rhythms, sublime melodies and dramatic contrasts to express the powerful emotions of the text. The basic directness of his style, his soaring, lyrical melodies which lie perfectly for the human voice, the wonderful orchestration and the works extraordinary dramatic and emotional intensity, all contribute to the Requiems status as one of the great icons of Western music. It has been described as opera goes to church!
We will be performing the work across the transept of the abbey, a good acoustic with the music resounding against the magnificent stained glass windows. There will also be seats available in the nave with a restricted view.
Mark Edwards Director trained as a percussionist before taking up conducting and receiving a MMus with Distinction from Newcastle studying with Eric Cross. Mark is pleased to have studied and worked with many great conductors including Sian Edwards, Pierre-Andre Valade, Philippe Bach, Rodolfo Saglimbeni, Philip MacKenzie, Christopher Gayford and Edwin Roxburgh. He has received scholarships to participate in international master classes, and recent highlights include performing at the Royal Albert Hall London, Symphony Hall Birmingham and live broadcasts on Radio 3s 'In tune' and 'Words and music' programmes. He is currently director of music for Northern Praeclassica, Felling Male Voice Choir, Hexham Orpheus Choir, Newcastle Sinfonietta, workshop leader for Streetwise Opera, Associate Artistic Director for the Northern Chords Music Festival. Mark sings with Voices of Hope, winner of the BBC Choir of the Year 2016.
Hexham Orpheus Choir is dedicated to performing and promoting access to classical music in the Tynedale Valley, Northumberland. We are based in Hexham and hold our biggest concerts in Hexham Abbey. We have around 85 members and always welcome new singers, both experienced and less experienced.
http://hexham-orpheus-choir.org.uk/
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LocationHexham Abbey (View)
Market Square
Hexham NE46 3NB
United Kingdom
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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Contact
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