Join Goring Chamber Choir as we mark our 75th anniversary with an exceptional concert at the stunning Douai Abbey on Saturday 16th May at 7:30pm. Just as Mary sang the Magnificat in joyful thanksgiving – "My soul magnifies the Lord" – we raise our voices in gratitude for three-quarters of a century of music-making in our community.
Under the direction of Frances Brewitt-Taylor, we return to Bach's powerful Magnificat – a major undertaking last performed by the choir in 1995. With its highly demanding chorus parts and exquisite orchestral scoring, Bach captures the full emotional range of Mary's song of joy, from explosive exuberance to tender beauty.
The celebration continues with the Durante Magnificat (formerly attributed to Pergolesi), sharing the same joyful atmosphere, and Mozart's charming offertory motet Alma Dei creatoris. The evening culminates with six contrasting unaccompanied motets by Bruckner, Britten, Timothy Blinko, Frank Ferko, John Tavener, and Pierre Villette – each exploring different aspects of Mary's life in an ecstatic range of sound worlds.
We're delighted to be accompanied by Oxford's professional baroque orchestra Charivari Agréable, directed by Kah-Ming Ng, and joined by four highly accomplished young soloists. An evening of great vitality, joyfulness, and variety – a fitting celebration of 75 years!
Tickets are £20, available from tickets@goringchamberchoir.org.uk, Inspiration (Goring), Garlands Organic (Pangbourne) or from any choir member.