Tag Archives: Lichfield Cathedral

A wonderful concert in Lichfield Cathedral

The months leading up to our concert on 16th March included extra choir rehearsals and lots of study at home in order to master Bach’s wonderful but complex B minor Mass. All that preparation paid off handsomely, and performers and audience alike were able to enjoy the glorious work in the magnificent surroundings of Lichfield Cathedral. Aren’t we lucky to have such wonderful venues to perform in!

The performance was enhanced by the playing of the Musical and Amicable Society, using period instruments, and the four superb vocal soloists Emilia Morton, Martha McLorinan, Jack Granby and Andrew Tipple.

(Click on photos to enlarge)

Our audience, which had come from far and wide – North Wales, Sheffield and even St Andrews, Scotland – gave us long applause and even a standing ovation in some cases!

The concert might be over now, but Bach’s music is still going round and round in our heads. It was indeed ‘music that can change lives’!

Many thanks to our photographer Alfred White.

Glorious Bach

Come and hear the majestic space of Lichfield Cathedral filled with the music of Bach’s supreme masterpiece, the B minor Mass!

The Mass is a culmination of Bach’s lifetime of  composition, with many of his pieces brought together to form this final major work. A Catholic Mass written by a Protestant composer, the B minor Mass is a profound musical expression of the Christian faith for believers of all backgrounds.

The Birmingham Festival Choral Society is looking forward to singing this wonderful work with The Musical and Amicable Society, the renowned orchestra of period instrument specialists, and four superb vocal soloists.

Saturday 16th March 7.30pm.

Birmingham Festival Choral Society

David Wynne – Conductor

Emilia Morton (Soprano), Martha McLorinan (Mezzo soprano), Jack Granby  (Tenor), Andrew Tipple (Bass).

The Musical and Amicable Society.

Kevin Gill – Organ

A night to remember

Our concert in Lichfield Cathedral on 2nd July was a wonderful occasion! The choir, soloists and piano accompanists all came together under the leadership of David Wynne to produce a thrilling performance of Brahms’ A German Requiem and Finzi’s Lo, the Full Final Sacrifice. The main two works were supported by other Brahms compositions: Geistliches Lied for choir and organ, and Hungarian Dances no 5 and 8 for piano duet.

We are extremely grateful to photographer Michael Whitefoot for producing a superb set of photographs, from which these are selected.

Photography ©Michael Whitefoot

Comments from the audience, posted on social media:

“Superb playing by the two accompanists. Fantastic concert.” LP

“It was an amazing concert, I got literal goosebumps” SE

“Lovely photos from a wonderful concert.” DS

“A great and really memorable concert. Thank you” KR

Photography: ©Michael Whitefoot

Kevin Gill and Stephen Hargreaves, our impressive piano duo, played the piano duet accompaniment to Brahms’ German Requiem, and two of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances.

Photography ©Michael Whitefoot

Louise Wayman, soprano, and James Davies, baritone, were our talented soloists. (Click arrows)

The Finzi was the standout for me, but Brahms’ ‘A German Requiem’ was navigated confidently, and the combination of Birmingham Festival Choral Society, soloists and accompaniment brought together an ensemble showing real enthusiasm and commitment.”

Click to read this review of the concert by David Barton

Photography: ©Michael Whitefoot
Photography ©Michael Whitefoot

Thank you to our professional musicians who made the concert so special! L to R: Stephen Hargreaves, Kevin Gill, David Wynne, Louse Wayman and James Davies.

Photography: ©Michael Whitefoot