This year sees the 250th anniversary of the births of Cumbria’s most well-known poet, William Wordsworth, and of famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven, both born in 1770. These birthdays will be celebrated by Keswick Choral Society in its Spring Concert.
Beethoven wrote that his Mass in C “treated the text in a manner in which it has rarely been treated”. Soloists will include Charlotte Jackson, Amy Holyland, Christopher Steele and Jonathan Millican, all of whom have been popular with audiences at previous concerts.
Wordsworth needs no introduction to our readers. Five of his shorter poems have been set to music composed by Ian Hare, musical director of the Society. The “Wordsworth Cantata: Springtime in Lakeland” was commissioned by Cumbria Rural Choirs and, after receiving its premiere in Carlisle Cathedral on 21 March, its second performance will be that at Keswick Choral Society’s concert.
Other works to be performed are Hugh Roberton’s seasonal “All in the April Evening”, which he composed for the Barrow Choir in 1906, and Ken Burton’s “Feel the Spirit”, a joyful modern arrangement of spirituals.
Organ and piano accompaniment will be provided by Ian Pattinson and the conductor will be Ian Hare.
The concert takes place on 18 April 2020 at 7.30 pm in St John’s Church, Keswick. Tickets, which include interval refreshments, will be available in advance from choir members and from Bookends, Keswick (£12), and on the door (£14). Further information from [email protected] or www.keswickchoralsociety.co.uk
