Hastings Philharmonic Choir, performing with the Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra at Christ Church, St Leonards-on-Sea Photo: Peter Mould

Hastings Philharmonic Choir perform a Romantic masterpiece

Hastings Philharmonic Choir reports on its upcoming concert on Saturday 26 March, which features one of the glories of the Romantic choral repertoire, Brahms’ magnificent Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem).

The piece is famous for marking a turning point in Brahm’s career when it was first performed on Good Friday 1868 in Bremen Cathedral. Composed in the wake of the double loss of his mother and his close friend and mentor Robert Schumann, the work is imposing in scale, yet consolatory in tone, ending with a serene message of hope.

Hastings Philharmonic Choir has, in one form or another, been entertaining concert-goers from Hastings and surrounding areas since 1928, when two local choirs merged to form the Hastings Choral Union. It became the unofficial “town choir” supported by Hastings Borough Council. Nearly 100 years later the choir, now called the Hastings Philharmonic Choir, is still going strong, performing in major concerts three or four times a year.

The concert starts at 7pm at Christ Church, St Leonards. The choir will be directed by the leading local conductor, Marcio da Silva, with soloists Helen May (soprano) and John Holland-Avery (baritone), and accompanied by Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra who, in addition, will perform Mendelssohn’s concert overture The Hebrides.

Marcio da Silva says: “Brahms’ Requiem is certainly one of the most challenging choral pieces there is, requiring exceptional stamina, especially from the sopranos and tenors, and a high level of musicianship of the orchestra to learn the very difficult lines.

“Personally, this piece is one of my favourites. I love the fact that it is written in German, which makes it more personal than other Requiems. This will be the third time that I have conducted the work, but I first learned to love it as a choir member, whilst studying in Germany.”

Further information here or contact John Rycroft (Chair) on 01424 552104. Purchase tickets online, or ring 01424 437554

Also in: Music & Sound