It was a privilege for our Remembrance Concert to take place in the stunning setting of Dorchester Abbey as we remembered and commemorated those lost in conflict. The Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Mr Popplewell, opened the concert with a beautiful, lyrical and emotive performance of the ‘Air’ from Grieg’s Holberg Suite. The newly formed Chamber Choir performed from the back of the Abbey and this enabled a different acoustic for their singing of Guest’s ‘For the Fallen’ and Elgar’s moving tribute, ‘They are at rest’. The Chapel Choir trebles have worked fantastically this term and performed Mark Blatchly’s setting of Binyon’s 1914 poem, ‘For the Fallen’. With the incorporation of the last post included, played by Charlie, this was a moving and committed performance. Interspersed with the music were three readings before the Chapel Choir sung John Ireland’s anthem ‘Greater Love’. The first half concluded with performance of two works by the lesser known Christopher Wilson, music which really should be heard more often.
The second half saw a performance of Fauré’s iconic Requiem, accompanied by the Chamber Orchestra and organ. This was the first concert performance for the Chapel Choir this term and they sang with clarity and cohesion. The Hostias was sung stylishly by Luca with the final amen echoing beautifully around the Abbey. Further solos in the Pie Jesu by Alexander and the Libera Me by Seth showed wonderful nuance and understanding of the music whilst the trebles sang the In Paradisum with great clarity bringing this performance to a fitting and reflective close. We greatly look forward to returning to Dorchester next year.
