LOVERS of classical choral music will be given the opportunity to perform alongside one of Chester's top choirs at a special workshop in the city centre.
Chester Bach Singers will host the event in which singers will be able to study the iconic 'Gloria' by Poulenc in detail before performing the work at St Mary's Creative Space on Saturday, January 27.
The choir is keen to encourage anyone who has an interest in singing choral music or who perhaps wishes to try something a bit different for the new year to take part.
Composed by Poulenc between 1959 and 1961 and said to be have been partially inspired by the sight of Benedictine monks playing football, 'Gloria' was commissioned by the Koussevitzky Foundation and received its premiere in Boston, Massachusetts on January 21, 1961, performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Chorus Pro Musica, under the baton of Charles Munch.
A 1965 recording of the work by The Robert Shaw Chorale won a Grammy award for Best Choral Performance.
Speaking about the workshop, Helen Crich said: "Once again this year, we are looking forward to welcoming singers from across the country to work on a major choral piece for a day, followed by an informal performance. We are greatly looking forward to diving into Poulenc's 'Gloria'.
"Rhythmic, intensely melodic and full of quirky harmonies, this is a work that presents just the right level of challenge but also many rewards. Poulenc had a unique approach to writing sacred music, he compared his approach to religious music to 'a gargoyle sticking out its tongue'.
"This doesn't mean Poulenc was flippant, his choral writing is heartfelt but he avoids undue or pompous solemnity, his style is unique – rich but sometimes strange, so, ears will need to be attuned to make those chords blend! Our Conductor, Martin Bussey is looking forward to leading everyone through the challenges of this beautiful and uplifting work, accompanied at the keyboard by Catherine Barnett."
Full details of Chester Bach Singers' Poulenc Workshop, along with all the choir's upcoming events, can be found at: www.chesterbachsingers.org.uk.
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