BLENHEIM SINGERS OXFORD Oxford s world class vocal ensemble founded at Blenheim Palace 2017-2018 programme
Choral music at the highest level. An impressive experience. Augsburger Allgemeine For festivals, concert series, arts centres and special events in 2017-18, Blenheim Singers offers four unique programmes: three telling the fascinating story of the music associated with some of the great monarchs of Great Britain, and the fourth presenting Brahms greatest choral work. About the Blenheim Singers With its unique link to Blenheim Palace, the Blenheim Singers shares the vision of the Palace s UNESCO status by building peace into the minds of men and women through musical performances of the highest level. Now celebrating the 10th anniversary since their groundbreaking debut performance in the Palace s opulent Chapel, audiences continue to be enthralled by the authentic and contemporary musical experiences. In 2016 performances in Germany and France were received passionately with standing ovations. Blenheim Palace, the seat of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, is the majestic backdrop for Hollywood film productions such as Harry Potter and James Bond 007, Spectre. In recognition of the Palace s namesake, the Blenheim Singers maintains links with Blindheim in Germany, and regularly collaborates with the Bavarian Music Academy. Tom Hammond Davies, Director The Blenheim Singers is directed by Tom Hammond Davies, one of the most versatile conductors of his generation and working regularly with musicians from London, Oxford and Cambridge, and top artists from the Royal Opera House. Tom is also Director and founder of the Oxford Bach Soloists and sings professionally as countertenor Lay Clerk with the multiple Gramophone Award winning Choir of New College Oxford.
PROGRAMME Gloriana Music and poetry from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I A programme celebrating the composers and writers who flourished under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth I. The arts were central to her long and peaceful reign and composers such as William Byrd and writer William Shakespeare both benefited from her support. This concert features some of the finest a cappella singing in a celebration of the music and poetry of the period together with some more contemporary works inspired by the spirit of the age. A truly magical evening of top quality music for any occasion. Sheppard: Libera nos Tallis: If ye love me Tallis: O nata lux Byrd: Haec Dies Byrd: Ave verum corpus Gibbons: Magnificat and Nunc dimittis 'Short' Britten: Choral Dances from Gloriana' Vaughan Williams: Three Shakespeare Songs Shearing: Spring Rutter: It was a lover and his lass Rutter: When daisies pied Encore - Bernstein: Somewhere Running time: 2 x 50 mins Performers: 16 singers + conductor Cost: 4,100 (plus travel and accommodation if over 100 miles from Oxford) The Blenheim Singers exude an infectious joy performing together with a palpable intimacy that is a pleasure to witness. Dernières Nouvelles D Alsace
PROGRAMME Restoration The Return of the Monarchy 1660 saw the return of the Monarchy with the coronation of King Charles II of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Under his reign and the period that followed under James II, William III & Mary II, the arts flourished with European influences, bold new architecture and innovative new writings. The baroque age was born! This concert celebrates the Restoration with some of the finest instrumental and vocal works of the period. Drawn from both the secular and sacred realms, Restoration is a vibrant and uplifting concert performance on period instruments perfect for a special occasion or festival opening/closing concert. Henry Cooke: Put me not to rebuke, O Lord Pelham Humfrey: By the waters of Babylon Matthew Locke: Descende Caelo Cincta Sororibus - 'The Oxford Ode' Purcell: Hear my prayer John Blow: God spake sometimes in visions Purcell: My heart is inditing Purcell: When I am laid in earth + With drooping wings (Dido and Aeneas) Running time: 2 x 50 mins Performers: 16 singers, orchestra + conductor Cost: 5,650 (plus travel and accommodation if over 100 miles from Oxford) Exquisite and magnificent choral attack. The Oxford Times Purcell: Sound the trumpet (Come ye sons of art) Purcell: 'Tis wine was made to rule the day Purcell: O dive custos Purcell: Thou knowest, Lord the secrets of our hearts Z58c Encore - Purcell: Thus nature rejoices from Come ye sons of art
PROGRAMME The King Shall Rejoice Händel and the Court of King George II George Frideric Händel s first commission as a newly naturalised British subject was to write the music for the 1727 coronation of George II of Great Britain and Queen Caroline. Händel s music blossomed under his courtly patronage which was further celebrated following the glorious victory over the French at the 1743 Battle of Dettingen. A strikingly vibrant large scale programme for voices and period instruments celebrating the world of Händel and King George II. Premiered in festivals in Germany and France in 2016, the Blenheim Singers is proud to offer this programme to Festivals across the UK in 2017 as a concert to remember. G. F. Händel: Dettingen Te Deum G. F. Händel: Organ Concerto in B flat, Op. 4, No. 2 G. F. Händel: Coronation Anthems Zadok the Priest Let thy Hand be Strengthened The King shall Rejoice My Heart is Inditing Encore - G. F. Handel: Hallelujah' from Messiah Running time: 2 x 50 mins Performers: 18 singers, orchestra + conductor Cost: 9,500 (plus travel and accommodation if over 100 miles from Oxford) Impressively expressed by the powerful performance of the singers and instrumentalists. Händels Dettingen Te Deum was performed with lavish colours and radiant climaxes. Frankfurter Allgemeine
PROGRAMME A German Requiem Great music for two pianists and choir Brahms created the London Version of his famous German Requiem in 1869 with piano duet (four hands on one piano). This compact version offers a more intimate and affordable alternative to the full scale work and has become a firm favourite with singers and audiences alike. Alongside will feature Elgar s evocative masterpiece From the Bavarian Highlands and an exciting recent work by Sebastian Bartmann, Last Letters. For this magnificent and moving concert, the Blenheim Singers are joined by 1st prize winners in Krakow, Valberg and Oslo, Barbara and Sebastian Bartmann - the award winning Bavarian piano duo impuls. Sir Edward Elgar: Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands, Op. 27 Sebastian Bartmann: Last Letters p.s. voices before and beyond Johannes Brahms: Requiem (London Version), Op. 45 Running time: 1 x 35 mins, 1 x 70 mins Performers: 2 pianists (one grand piano), 16 singers + conductor Cost: 4,750 (plus travel and accommodation if over 100 miles from Oxford) The Blenheim Singers, the must of British vocal art, are made up of voices of rare perfection. An elegant and captivating ensemble. Pierre Chevreau, Artistic Director Festival International d Orgue de Masevaux, Alsace
Enquiries Blenheim Singers are available for performances at Festivals, Arts Centres, Concert Series and Events. Do get in touch if you would like to discuss any of our programmes on offer for 2017-18. +44 (0)7733 330913 info@blenheimsingers.com www.blenheimsingers.com /blenheimsingers @blenheimsingers BLENHEIM SINGERS OXFORD