After a sell-out performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion in April – a three hour marathon, sung in German – the Royston Choral Society return to Royston Parish Church on 5th July to sing some lighter, suitably summery music, written by an English composer.
At a recent rehearsal, tenors in the choir were asked how they felt about singing Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell. Despite the classical theme suggested by the title, all agreed it was a fun piece and all the more enjoyable for being sung in English!
Ian said “I’m enjoying the melodies and dancing rhythms and, having first sung it with the choir in 2016, it’s familiar. After all the effort we’ve put into rehearsals, I’m looking forward to showing how much we’ve improved over the past nine years!”
For James “It’s quite different from the other pieces the choir has been performing recently - there’s a witches’ chorus when we’re being asked to cackle! I always like the summer concerts because they tend to be more relaxed.”
Another James suggests “It will be a nice contrast to the autumn and Easter concerts which tend to be requiems and longer pieces about death – not the most uplifting subject matter!”
Neil praises composer Henry Purcell as ”a wonderful composer who creates fireworks and involves drunken nymphs – the piece is really exciting.” He goes on to suggest “There’s something for everyone because there are different moods through the piece. Singing a variety of pieces is good for the audience but also for the choir – learning new things keeps us fresh for each concert.”
Tickets for the concert, at 7.30pm on Saturday 5th July at St John’s Church in Royston, are £18 and available online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/royston-choral-society, by phone 01920 822723 and, if available, on the door.