Thursday 2 May 2024 at 7:30pm
Sherborne Abbey

Sherborne Festival Chorus & Chameleon Arts Orchestra
Conductor Paul Ellis

Edward Elgar: Serenade for Strings
Gabriel Fauré: Requiem
John Rutter: Magnificat

We’re delighted to be part of the Sherborne Festival Chorus again and opening this year’s Sherborne Abbey Festival with two much-loved choral works, written 100 years apart.

We mark the centenary of Fauré’s death with his sublime setting of the Requiem, a favourite with choirs and audiences alike since its first performance in 1890. No rage or fury here: instead, this masterpiece is marked by solace and hope, glorious melody and angelic harmonies, including the famous Pie Jesu and sublime In Paradisum. Rutter’s joyful setting of the Magnificat conjures up the sunshine of Spain and South America and their lively street festivals celebrating the Virgin Mary. With its energetic rhythms, colourful orchestration and Rutter’s trademark melodies, it will be impossible to leave the Abbey without it ringing in your ears! Opening the concert is Elgar’s wonderful early jewel, the Serenade for Strings.

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