Last Thursday, it was wonderful to welcome back OA James Anderson-Besant for an organ recital and masterclass with the Chapel Choir and Chamber Choir. Since leaving Abingdon, James has pursued a career in choral music and currently is Director of Music at Truro Cathedral. He performed music by Elgar and Vierne before also briefly discussing his musical inspirations and experiences at Abingdon.
In the afternoon, James revealed his prowess as a cathedral Director of Music during a workshop with the Chapel Choir. Energy in the diction, musical interpretation and ensemble blend were all worked on as the choir practised music for the forthcoming evensong at Coventry Cathedral including music by Gibbons, Wood and Stanford. The Chamber Choir were then treated to a further masterclass where musical nuance and smaller consort singing techniques were detailed. James was also able to show the pupils an autograph manuscript of one of the pieces the students were singing! A wonderful afternoon which has given the choirs a real boost and inspiration as we move into a busy stage of term.
