400 young local singers to join the UK’s most ambitious youth music programme at Ely Cathedral for ‘A Grand Georgian Christmas’
400 local young singers will enjoy an extraordinary musical experience this Christmas, singing alongside Gabrieli, one of the country’s most acclaimed ensembles, in a spectacular seasonal programme ‘A Grand Georgian Christmas’.
The concert, which will take place in the stunning surroundings of Ely Cathedral on Friday 29th November, will involve young singers from Sutton Primary School, Wilburton CE Primary School: Year 5/6 Class, The Perse School Middle School Voices, Ely College Chamber Choir, New Hall School Choir, Mepal and Witcham, Chesterton Community College, Ely Cathedral Choristers, King’s Voices (King’s Ely) and Downham Market Academy Choir.
Led by Artistic Director Paul McCreesh, ‘A Grand Georgian Christmas’ is Gabrieli’s most ambitious tour to date, involving around 5,000 late-primary and secondary school students as part of Gabrieli Roar.
Gabrieli Roar is a partnership between Gabrieli and a network of school, church and youth choirs from all over the UK. The young singers are trained to perform side-by-side with professional musicians, enabling them to discover the brilliance of classical music from within. The programme breaks down barriers and has been described as “completely transformational” by many of those involved.
Issy Rainey, a young singer involved in Roar said “Missing out on Roar would make me a very different person. Initially, I was unsure about joining as I have no classical training and I don’t attend a fancy school – but Roar has completely changed my view on choral music. It can be so fragile, but so powerful. I feel so proud to be involved. It’s an incredible experience. I wish it could last longer, I can never get enough of it.”
Concert-goers will find themselves transported back in time to the vibrant ambience of Georgian Christmas festivities in country and parish churches. The programme traces the Christmas story through four distinct chapters – The Promise, The Shepherds, The Manger and The Angels. It includes carols, hymns and anthems by composers including Handel, Haydn and many lesser-known figures. The massed choirs will be joined by a colourful ensemble, featuring many old instruments which would have been heard in church bands in the 18th and 19th centuries – including two very rare serpents.
Alex Bowen, Head of Singing and Curriculum at Cambridgeshire Music said “We are delighted to be supporting Gabrieli Roar’s Christmas Tour this year. The children and teachers have been working hard to prepare the Grand Georgian Christmas songs, and we are looking forward to hearing all those involved perform with the professional musicians at the event.”
Paul McCreesh, Founder and Artistic Director said “I am always hugely excited to take part in our rather crazy Christmas tours. It’s always a joyful experience to be on stage with our wonderful young people in inspiring buildings and to share their enthusiasm as they discover the beauty of music.”
Book tickets to ‘A Grand Georgian Christmas’ at Ely Cathedral.
