Philomusica for music and fun in the Three Counties

Welcome to the website of Philomusica, the place for music, variety and fun!

 

We have a vision for Philomusica: we're continuing to build the choir that:

  • everyone wants to join
  • everyone wants to hear

 

Music is one of the most evocative things in the world; it can sweep you to heights of joy and the depths of sorrow. This is so whether you are listening or performing and it is why music has always been considered to be so important, indeed vital, to our well-being; emotional,mental and physical.

 

We give many thrilling performances of a wide variety of music that you're sure to love.

 

In addition to the perennial favourites such as Creation and Messiah we also perform very modern works. For instance we have just given the Three Counties premiere of Howard Goodall's Eternal Light: A Requiem

 

We have commissioned works for ourselves; for example Richard Knight's Crown of Life and we have performed a number of works written by our own members.

 

Has this interested you?

 

Then come along and hear us! You'll enjoy it and may want to be part of it.

 

We look forward to seeing you.

 

2011 and all that!

 

Well we have had a great year.

 

The summer picnic extravaganza at the Tuckwell Amphitheatre did not go quite as planned thanks to the English weather but a large audience enjoyed a wonderful concert in the Bacon Theatre instead. Everyone enjoyed themselves and we raised over £200 for Winston's Wish.

 

And then- Sir Edward Elgar and three performances of his work The Kingdom. The concert in Tewkesbury Abbey was superb; a good orchestra, an excellent choir and our own soloists supplemented by a guest appearance from James Oxley. It wasn't just us that thought so either - see the review below.

 

So on to new things in 2012: Karl Jenkins - The Armed Man, requiems by Mozart and Duruflé and the Vierne Messe Solonnelle as well as our usual lighter fare for the summer.

 

We would love you to join us; either as an audience member or as a singer.

 

It is marvellous, exciting music - either side of the conductor's podium.

 

Rehearsals resume at Worcester on January 5th and in Gloucester on January 6th

Review of The Kingdom

This was a landmark concert for Philomusica, marking their 950th concert since being founded forty five years ago.

 

Elgar‟s oratorio The Kingdom is not in fashion, so it was a welcome opportunity to hear this complex work. It contains his usual dynamic demands and tempi alterations, and the choir and orchestra responded splendidly. In spite of the notorious Abbey acoustics, the voices rose above the orchestra in passages such as “When the great Lord will” sung with poised ppp. The ff “The First-Fruits” was equally impressive, and overall they demonstrated how much hard work had gone into preparation. Also how much faith they have in conductor Linda Parsons. Her excellent control of choir and orchestra brought out the best in everyone.

 

Soprano soloist Kathryn Skipp gave us some delightful high notes; Karen Longmate sang the part of Mary Magdalene with ease. The tenor and bass both successfully put over Elgar‟s message. James Oxley‟s tenor voice rang out securely as a powerful John; David Parsons took on the important baritone role of Peter with conviction, and dealt satisfyingly with some very high notes.



The Philomusica Orchestra rose to the challenge of Elgar‟s heavy score, especially in the” Prelude”, and leader Christopher Horner‟s violin solo was a treat.



We look forward to future performances by this successful choir and orchestra.

 

ANNE DUNN

 

Review included with the kind permission of The Gloucestershire Echo