Reading Haydn Choir - Autumn Concert at the Abbey School

The Reading Haydn Choir is pleased to be singing our Autumn Concert at the Abbey School, Kendrick Road Reading, RG1 5DZ. We'll be performing two contrasting works written over 100 years apart, accompanied by an orchestra of professional musicians and soloists.

The Messa di Gloria by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), which Puccini composed, in 1880, as a graduation exercise early in his career. It was not published, however, until 1951 – Puccini had filed it away as his farewell to composing sacred music. It is an uncomplicated work. Its style is direct and unashamedly operatic, and is clearly influenced by Puccini’s hero, Verdi.

John Rutter (b.1945) composed his Magnificat in 1990. It is a joyous work inspired by feast day festivities in Latin American countries. The extended composition is in seven movements based on the Latin text, interspersed with “Of a Rose, a lovely Rose“ - an anonymous 15th century English poem - the beginning of the Sanctus, and a prayer to Mary.

The concert will last about two hours including an interval with free refreshments.  The Choir looks forward to seeing you at Reading's Abbey School.