Following the success of this year’s MBNA Chester Music Festival which took place in June, Chester Performs has announced a one-off concert will be staged on July 19 at Chester Cathedral.
The concert will be led by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. They will be joined by renowned conductor James Burton.
Timed to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, the concert programme will include Elgar’s Spirit of England, written in response to his friend Sidney Colvin’s request for ‘a requiem for the slain’, and Vaughan Williams’ plea for peace Dona Nobis Pacem, as well as Britten’s stirring arrangement of the National Anthem and Elgar’s Sospiri.
Born in London, James was choral director at the Halle Orchestra between 2002 and 2009 and became music director of the Halle Youth Choir when it was founded in 2003, leading both choirs to outstanding critical acclaim.
He has worked as a music director and chorus master for a variety of groups and projects, and recently celebrated his 12th year as music director of Schola Cantorium of Oxford.
Joining the orchestra and James is soprano Judith Howarth and baritone William Dazeley.
Judith, one of the most sought-after sopranos in Europe, first came to public attention when she joined the Royal Opera House as a principal, where she sang many roles over nine seasons.
A graduate of Jesus College, Cambridge, William Dazeley studied singing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he won several prizes including the prestigious Gold Medal, the Decca/Kathleen Ferrier Prize and the Richard Tauber Prize.
Chester Festival Chorus will also be performing, led by musical director Frances Cooke.
Andrew Bentley, chief executive of Chester Performs, said: “This concert is a spectacular way to commemorate of the First World War centenary.
“We were delighted by the response to this year’s music festival and are thrilled to be bringing the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra to perform in Chester for what will be a poignant and beautiful experience for our audience.”
Tickets are on sale now and cost £27.50, or £23.50 for aisle seats. Under-16s and students save £4, and under-12s go free when accompanied by an adult.
To book, or for more details, go to chestermusicfestival.co.uk, call 0845 241 7868 or visit Chester Visitor Information Centre.
