Benjamin Britten
Hymn to St Cecilia
Sunday 9 March 2003, 7.30pm
Adam Concert Room
School of Music
Victoria University of Wellington
Kelburn
Wellington
Guest conductor: Sir Philip Ledger
Benjamin Britten 1913-1976
A very special performance of Britten's works conducted by Sir Philip Ledger.
Sir Philip Ledger studied Music at King's College Cambridge; he was later Director of Music there from 1974-82. During this time he was also conductor of the Cambridge University Musical Society.
As an Artistic Director of the Aldeburgh Festival from 1968 until 1988 Sir Philip was involved in a number of performances of Britten's works. He has accompanied some of Britain's leading singers: including Robert Tear and John Shirley Quirk. Retiring recently after 20 years as Principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Sir Philip's work in Music has been acknowledged with honorary Doctorates conferred by four Universities.
Sir Philip remains active in performance, as well as Chairman of the English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust, Chairman of the Music Advisory Board for the Caird Awards and serving on the Boards of the Cheltenham Arts Festivals and of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Programme
Five Flower Songs: Benjamin Britten 1913-1976
i. To Daffodils
ii. The Succession of the Four Sweet Months
iii. Marsh Flowers
iv. The Evening Primrose
v. The Ballad of Green Broom
Ständchen: Franz Schubert 1797-1828
Canticle IV: Journey of the Magi: Benjamin Britten
Interval
Canticle II: Abraham and Isaac: Benjamin Britten
Gott ist mein hirt: Franz Schubert
Hymn to St Cecilia: Benjamin Britten
Soloists
Sings Harry Vocal Ensemble
soprano Charlotte Carman* Nicola Hooper*
alto Megan Hurnard* Jessica Wells*
tenor Alastair Carey Christopher Leach
bass Craig Beardsworth Simon Baskerville
* also in Schubert female quartet
Mezzo soprano Madeleine Pierard
Countertenor Geoffery Coker
Tenor Alastair Carey
Baritone Craig Beardsworth
Rehearsal repetiteur Catherine Norton
produced by Geoffrey Coker
This concert was part of the 2003 Performance Series.