BARNT Green Choral presented its annual showpiece concert on March 28 at a sold-out Artrix auditorium.
The programme featured both orchestral and choral works by two living composers – the world-famous Sir Karl Jenkins and the young, but rapidly rising, Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo.
The concert began with two movements from Jenkins’ Palladio, which is often heard on Classic FM. This was followed by three short Gjeilo orchestral pieces.
Gjeilo, now living in America, is known for his lush, cinematic and atmospheric music and the audience was enthralled.
The first half concluded with the choir singing Gjeilo’s ‘Song of the Universal’.
Based on an 1874 American Civil War poem, the work is a visionary declaration of faith in the goodness of deeper humanity, finding joy in the face of human suffering.
In the second half the 70-strong choir and 26-piece orchestra performed ‘The Armed Man’ by Jenkins.
Now a national classic, the work was commissioned by the Royal Armouries to promote an understanding of the destructive consequences of war while looking ahead with optimism for peace.
The audience thoroughly enjoyed the piece and the concert and there was plenty of positive feedback.
One person who watched it said: “You really opened my eyes, or should I say ears – a fabulous programme of very different music fabulously sung.”
Another added: “The choir sailed over the orchestra with thrilling climaxes together with moving quiet passages.”
Next up
The choir’s next concert will feature modern jazz – Zimbe! by Alexander L’Estrange.
A massed choir of 130 singers (adults and children) from Barnt Green Choral, Bromsgrove Prep School, and Lickey End First School, will perform this toe-tapping music.
That will take place at 6.30pm on June 19 at Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School.
Barnt Green Choral is always interested in hearing from anyone wanting to join its ranks to sing the world’s best music in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Members do not have to read music or have vast experience – just an inner desire to sing.
Visit barntgreenchoral.org for more.
