A New Heaven
On Saturday 16th of November, The Cecilia Consort will be bringing their trademark celestial sound to Douai Abbey with a concert entitled A New Heaven. Janet Coxwell will conduct this much loved Newbury based choir in a varied programme of works with a Remembrance theme.
Victoria’s celebrated masterpiece, the Requiem mass from 1605 takes centre stage. Written for six voices, it’s been called a work of ‘beguiling beauty and sumptuous simplicity’. In contrast, Bob Chilcott’s triptych ‘Canticles of Light’ is a lush modern exploration of the age old theme of light and darkness.
The concert’s titular piece, Edgar Bainton’s ‘And I Saw a New Heaven’, is a radiant favourite of Anglican cathedral choirs across the nation. It is a soaring affirmation of the ultimate triumph of life over death; joy over sorrow. In keeping with this, a retiring collection will be taken to benefit Newbury Cancer Care, which celebrates 40 years of support for the local community this year. This is a concert not to be missed.
