BENJAMIN Britten’s War Requiem will be performed by the University of York Choir and Symphony Orchestra in York Minster on Wednesday, June 17, under the command of conductor Peter Seymour.
The soloists will be soprano Wendy Goodison, tenor James Gilchrist and bass Stephan Loges, joined by the choristers of York Minster and their conductor, Robert Sharpe.
Britten’s non-liturgical setting of the Requiem Mass was commissioned for the 1962 consecration of Coventry Cathedral, following its rebuilding after the destruction of the original in the Second World War. The traditional Latin text is interspersed with settings of First World War poems by Wilfred Owen, to be sung by Englishman Gilchrist and the German Loges to the intimate accompaniment of a chamber orchestra.
Goodison, choirs and full orchestra will combine for the Latin text; chorus, boys’ choir, organ, full orchestra and chamber orchestra will unite for the “devastating finale”.
“This is a truly dramatic conclusion to our 50th anniversary year and to our 2014/15 concert season,” says Peter Seymour. Tickets for the 7.30pm concert cost £5 to £25 on 01904 322439, at yorkconcerts.co.uk or via email to boxoffice@york.ac.uk
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