‘Hot’ on the heels of an afternoon spent singing at The Garden House in Buckland Monachorum during the July mini heatwave, Plymouth Philharmonic Choir is preparing to start weekly indoor rehearsals at 7.15 p.m. from Thursday 9 September 2021. These will be held at The Meade King Hall at Plymouth College, Mutley. It is evident that this is a very supportive and friendly group of singers as over the last 18 months new singers from all voice parts have joined the choir even though rehearsals and concerts have been cancelled. This is an invitation to come and join us too, but with the added bonus of now being able to sing some wonderful music! Further details can be found on the choir’s website (https://plymouthphilchoir.org/) where there is a section at the bottom of the homepage specifically for prospective and new members. Please also make contact with Choir Membership Secretary, Pat Brodie (pat.brodie@outlook.com / 01752 330337).
Plans for the 2021 – 2022 concert programme are in full swing together with a summer holiday trip in August 2022. The first of these events, featuring music by Mozart and Haydn, will be held in Plymouth’s Guildhall on Sunday 28 November 2021.
The work by Haydn was originally entitled ‘Missa in Angustiis’ (‘Mass for Troubled Times’). At the time of the first performance news that Admiral Lord Nelson had defeated Napoleon in the Battle of the Nile reached Austria. It is thought that listeners associated the trumpets and timpani in the opening section and the jubilant, dramatic music that followed, with the political turmoil and then the military victory. The work became known as the Nelson Mass.
Composed for an Easter Day service and performed nearly 20 years later at the Coronation of Francis I, Mozart’s Mass in C is more widely know as the Coronation Mass. The celebratory nature of the music would have been fitting for both occasions.
With much to look forward to and celebrate in the year ahead, the choir hopes that you will join them to experience some sensational music.