Orpheus Choir: Paul McCartney's Ecce Cor Meum

Orpheus Choir
Soprano, Madeleine Pierard
The Choristers of Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
Vector Wellington Orchestra
Conductor - Michael Fulcher

Although Sir Paul McCartney has explore classical music previously, Ecce Cor Meum, which translates as 'Behold My Heart' is one of his most conceptually and logistically ambitious projects - is it a work on grand scale, written in the style of sacred English choral music.

When he was invited by the President of Magdalen College, Oxford to create a composition celebrating the famous college's new music hall, Paul McCartney was inspired to create a truly moving and life-affirming work.

His goal was to write a "choral piece which could be sung by young people the world over in the same way that Handel's Messiah is". The texts, which combine English and Latin, are meditations on goodness, spirituality, peace, and love.

McCartney spent nine years writing Ecce Cor Meum. He began in 1997, but when his wife Linda died of breast cancer the following year, McCartney ceased writing for a time - he notes that his grief can be heard in the lament section of the work.

When it was premiered at the Royal Albert Hall in 2006, the immediate response to Ecce Cor Meum was extraordinary, with The Sunday Express newspaper's critic describing it as a "profoundly moving work, a triumph". To further confirm his achievement, in 2007 Sir Paul received the 'Best Album Award' at the 'Classical Brits' for Ecce Cor Meum.

Now New Zealanders have the chance to experience the outstanding work. On 29 November, the Orpheus C hoir, soprano Madeleine Pierard, the Choristers of Wellington Cathedral of St Paul and Vector Wellington Orchestra will perform the Australasian Premiere of Ecce Cor Meum at Wellington's Town Hall. Spicers is delighted to be sponsor of the Southern Hemisphere premiere of what is likely to be the highlight of this year's musical calendar.

Madeleine Pierard, winner of the Lexus Song Competition in 2006, is returning to Wellington to sing the soprano role. She is at present studying at the Royal College in London, and has received impressive reviews for the roles she has undertaken.

Madeleine will also sing Samuel Barber's wonderful Knoxville: Summer of 1915, a rarely-performed but exquisite work for solo soprano and orchestra.

This concert is certain to rate as one of Wellington's most exciting concert evenings of the year.

Ticket prices range from $15.00 (student rate on presentation of ID) to $50.00.

'A' Reserve special price $45.00 each for groups of 20 or more.