Concerts for Craswall - The Elysian Singers - Dore Abbey

The Glory of Baroque

Purcell        Come, Ye Sons of Art J S Bach     Mass in G major BWV 236 Purcell        Jehova, quam multi sunt hostes Vivaldi        Gloria RV589

The Elysian Singers, along with conductor Sam Laughton, are making a welcome return to Concerts for Craswall with a celebration of the Glory of Baroque.

Their programme begins with one of Purcell's joyous odes Come, Ye Sons of Art written in honour of the birthday of Queen Mary II in 1694, and ends with Vivaldi's famous choral piece, Gloria RV589. The wonderfully sunny nature of the Gloria, with its distinctive melodies and rhythms, is characteristic of all of Vivaldi's music, giving it an immediate and universal appeal.

In between is one of JS Bach;s Lutheran Masses - Mass in G major BWV236 - and Jehova, guam multi sunt hostes mei a hugely popular anthem by Henry Purcell, characterised as it is by its expression and originality.

Founded by Matthew Greenall and under musical director Sam Laughton, the Elysian Singers are a persuasive ensemble, of whom Sir John Tavener wrote "Amongst chamber choirs, they're one of the best."