Newspaper Article 2007 – Old favourites to perform something new

Old favourites to perform something new

Musical notes
PETER WILLIAMS

Despite 36 years of public performance, this year’s concert by The Linden Singers again promises something a little different.

The concert, Music for Weddings, is being held in St Matthew’s Church, Hastings, on Sunday.

“Music usually features in most wedding ceremonies and is used, not only to enhance the ceremony, but also reflect the personalities of the bride and groom,” says Linden Singers’ conductor Basil Brooker.

“The programme has been carefully chosen to include familiar classics as well as several lesser known, but equally worthwhile, modern compositions from the rich and diverse range of choral music available.”

Arranged to follow the usual format of a wedding ceremony, the opening item, Wagner’s Bridal March will be followed by several psalm and biblical settings, including the well-known Brother James Air, an enthusiastic setting Psalm 150 by 20th composer John Harper, and Rejoice in the Lord Alway [Always], a 16th-century anthem by an anonymous composer.

Also included will be favourites such as J S Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Ave Maria by Franz Schubert and God Be In My Head by modern composer John Rutter. A delightful setting of the Irish Blessing, May The Road Rise To Meet You, from contemporary English musician Bob Chilcott, ends the concert.

Guest organist, Napier-born Matthew West, will not only accompany the choir on several items, but also play Mendelssohn’s familiar Wedding March. West has become well known to Hawke’s Bay audiences, having performed at several Linden Singer’s concerts, as well as accompanying the Napier Civic Choir.

The choir will again be joined by Hawke’s Bay musician Jonathon Krebs as soloist in Jeremiah Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary, with St Luke’s Church, Havelock North, organist Elizabeth Curtis providing piano accompaniments.

St Matthews Church will be suitably “dressed up” for the concert and there will be a display of wedding dresses.

To add to the atmosphere of the occasion, the audience is encouraged to come dressed as wedding guests.