Concert for Refugees

Bach’s so-called Refugee Cantata will feature in a charity concert on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 3.30 pm in St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral.

Admission will be free, with a retiring collection for the Red Cross refugee programme.

The concert will begin with a specially composed orchestral Song for Refugees by Ian Bolton, a local string tutor and viola player. Anatoliy Zelinsky will be the viola soloist.

Bach’s Cantata 39 originally attracted the name “Refugee Cantata” as it was thought that he had written it to commemorate the expulsion of Protestants from Salzburg in 1731, and it was highlighted in last year’s London Refugee Week.

While its varied movements give ample scope for the vocal talents of soloists Sarah-Jane Rennie, Louisa Pilkington and Ken Joblin, the central theme of the work is an imperative call for charity towards the homeless, best expressed in a magnificent, extended opening chorus: Break Your Bread With The Hungry.

The other work on the programme, Mozart’s Symphony 25 in G Minor, has become well known as the haunting introductory theme music of the movie Amadeus. It is the earliest work by the seventeen-year old composer to have secured a place in the modern orchestral repertory, and first of only two in the minor key – distinguished from the popular 40th as the “Little G Minor”, but sharing its energetic drive.

CBS Musical Director is Don Whelan, and the orchestra is led by Natalia M. Lomeiko.

Another interesting year of varied activity for the CBS Choir and Orchestra includes the regular Good Friday Bach St John Passion, and the usual Christmas Messiah. As part of a Cathedral Festival on Sunday, 23 June, the group will present Mozart’s Piano Concerto 20, and Bach Cantata 30.

Their annual Haydn concert on 29 September will include his Drumroll Symphony 103, and Creation Mass. A number of new works this year join the existing comprehensive liturgical repertoire, including a Lassus 8-part Mass, and the Mozart Missa Longa.

A number of vacancies exist for choral leaders within the group, who enjoy unique opportunities to perform solo roles in significant Mass and motet settings with the orchestra and choir. Leadership awards, and other scholarships are available to suitable applicants. Those interested are invited to contact the CBS Musical Director, Don Whelan, phone 358-5873.