Bach's great masterwork, the St John Passion, was sung in Christ Church and St James churches on the weekend of 15th/16th March by the Petts Wood Festival Chorus. This was the first performance of this new choir, and some 60 singers were joined by talented players from the local area, together with soloists, to give two very effective and moving presentations of the work. The baroque orchestra, composed of instrumentalists from the local community, was led by Bernard Brook, leader of the Bromley Symphony Orchestra.
The Evangelist was sung by Ben Thapa (of G4 fame), together with Sarah-Louis Ince (Alto), Lesley Knight (Soprano) and Jonny Davies (Bass). First performed in 1723, the music tells the story of Christ's suffering and death, and the choir, orchestra and soloists brought out the spiritual depths of the work, vividly creating the drama of the narrative through Bach's sublime music.
Many of the singers had never sung in a choir before. The Rev. Pauline Sparkes (Minister at Christ Church) praised the performers for a magnificent achievement in just ten weeks. Canon Tom McHugh (Dean of the Catholic Deanery of Bromley) congratulated conductor Bryan Wells for making 'wine out of water' and in bringing out the best in the choir. Fr Bryan thanked everyone who had made the project so enjoyable and worthwhile. Both churches were full, and the work proved a worthy 'opener' to Holy Week. A cheque for £2,000 has been sent to the Bromley Branch of the Alzheimer’s Society
The choir will be assembling again in June to lead the Petts Wood Residents’ Association service at the Memorial Hall and a further concert is being planned for the autumn. Bryan Wells said that this had been a great way of bringing people, and different churches, together in serving the local community. All singers are welcome to join and enquiries can be emailed to the Festival Choir.
Magnificent Achievement – Bach in Petts Wood
St John Passion performed
by Petts Wood Festival Chorus, Soloists and Orchestra
Conductor Fr Bryan Wells
Father Bryan Wells | Tel: 01689 827100 | 283 Crescent Drive, Petts Wood, Orpington, BR5 1AY
Site last updated 1st September 2010
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