30 Years of Cecilia
In the summer of 1989, an ad hoc choir was formed in order to put on a single performance of the mighty Mozart Requiem. Their conductor (and soprano soloist on the night) was local professional singer, Janet Coxwell. Little could Jan and her choristers have known that this was to be the start of something very big indeed. Fast-forward 30 years and The Cecilia Consort is still one of the brightest gems in the Newbury choral scene’s crown.
Celebrations and a concert were in the planning when Covid stopped all live performances in their tracks but their moment has arrived and on Saturday 13th November, the choir will, once again, grace one of their favourite venues, Douai Abbey, in an evening of music by William Harris, Herbert Howells, Bob Chilcott, Morten Lauridsen and Maurice Duruflé.
Jan and her singers are also planning a special 30th anniversary CD in the New Year, featuring many of the wonderful choral works they’ve performed over the past three decades. To raise funds for the recording, members of the choir, their friends and other keen local singers took part in the hugely successful Cecilia Zoom ‘Sing-a-thon’ earlier this year. This very special anniversary concert is not to be missed!
Our programme includes:
- Howells - St Paul's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis
- Harris - Faire is the Heaven
- Lauridsen - O Magnum Mysterium
- Duruflé - Four Motets on Gregorian Themes
