Elgar: The Kingdom

Saturday 24^th November 2012 in Chester Cathedral

It's hard to come away from a Chester Music Society choral concert and feel short-changed. Liverpool Daily Post

	Julie Kennard - soprano (Blessed Virgin)
	Jeanette Ager - mezzo soprano (Mary Magdalene)
	Richard Reaville - tenor (St John)
	Michael Pearce - bass (St Peter)
	Graham Jordan Ellis Conductor
	Liverpool Sinfonia
	Chester Music Society Choir

Programme: Elgar's The Kingdom

It was to have been one of the grandest things in English music, dealing with the foundation and ultimate purpose of the Church.

In terms of story, the emphasis in The Kingdom is not so much on the vigorous action of the young Church as it sets out to convert the world, but on its spiritual consolidation. Some of the most wonderful moments in the work are those that depict the Apostles together: celebrating Mass in the first and final scenes, and receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Nevertheless, there are moments where the emphasis is on individuals.

Peter’s condemnation of the ‘men of Israel’ for crucifying Christ is given much space. Less controversial – and musically much more memorable – is Mary’s solo ‘The sun goeth down’ after the arrest of the Apostles. It is simply one of the most haunting, touching things Elgar ever wrote, and during the composer’s lifetime it became popular as a separate concert piece. It is much better, though, to hear it as Elgar intended it: as the culminating point of this radiant, serene confession of faith.

Tickets: £18, £13 (Nave: numbered, reserved): £7 (Aisles, unreserved, restricted view). Reduced prices available. Telephone 0845 241 7868

Venue: Chester Cathedral, 19:30, Saturday 24^th November 2012.

Buy tickets for this concert online via the Chester Visitor Centre booking system. Click here.

Download here a publicity flyer for this concert giving full details.

Chester Music Society reserves the right to alter or cancel programmes without notice.