Celebrate Britten

ST JOHN'S SOUTHGATE

A choral concert featuring A Ceremony of Carols, Hymn to St Cecilia, and Hymn to the Virgin.

Conducted by Trevor Jones
Harp by Alannah Guthrie-Jones

Benjamin Britten was born on St Cecilia’s Day, 22 November 1913. To mark his 99th birthday and the beginning of the Britten Centenary Year, Choristry is proud to present three of his choral masterpieces.

The Hymn to St Cecilia was composed while at sea in 1942. With a text by W.H. Auden, this a cappella gem celebrates the patron saint of music.

The Hymn to the Virgin combines English and Latin texts celebrating Mary as we move towards the Christmas season.

Finally, one of Britten’s best-loved works, A Ceremony of Carols for choir and harp (in an SATB arrangement by Julius Harrison) features texts in Old English and Latin and will be accompanied by Alannah Guthrie-Jones.