An impressive singing showcase is set to occur at one of the county’s most attractive places of worship.
The Burford Singers community choir will revisit the Cotswold town’s striking Church of St John the Baptist this evening to perform Handel’s powerful oratorio Judas Maccabaeus.
The dramatic work contains powerful choral sections, lovely duets, and moving solo performances.
The well-known Singers will be accompanied by professional soloists featuring soprano Eleanor Ninham, alto Agustin Pennino, tenor Samuel Jenkins, and baritone Harrison Robb.
The group will be accompanied by the Cotswold Chamber Orchestra conducted by Will Dawes.
The Burford Singers have built a strong reputation. Located at New Warwick Hall in Burford, the ensemble stages three concerts each year, presenting works by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Brahms, and Mendelssohn, alongside lighter compositions from Gilbert and Sullivan and modern pieces by George Martin, Richard Blackford, and local composer Bob Chilcott, who serves as the Singers’ president.
Significant recent performances featured Bach’s St John and St Matthew Passions, and a tribute to John Rutter’s music with the composer present.
The Singers were established in 1960, initially as a trio of female voices performing folk songs at a local garden party. Over time, the ensemble expanded both in numbers and reputation, taking on increasingly demanding works.
A spokesperson for the ensemble stated that they get tremendous pleasure from what they do, and that while they are not professional performers, their soloists and conductor certainly are, but they take pride in their work.
The spokesperson went on to say that the Burford Singers are fortunate to have exceptional musical leadership, and that they have been especially privileged to be guided by prominent figures in British choral music: Brian Kay, who completed his 21-year association with the choir at the end of 2023, and Will Dawes, their conductor and director of music who began working with them in January 2024.
They also benefit from the active involvement of distinguished composer and conductor Bob Chilcott, who took on the presidency following his late father-in-law Sir Philip Ledger.
They are also very thankful for the continued support of their principal assistant conductor, Oliver Neal Parker, and the excellent skills of accompanist Robin Baggs.
For most of their concerts, they are accompanied by their own orchestra, the Cotswold Chamber Orchestra, which has performed regularly with them since 1989.
One member reflected that perhaps their most significant and emotional performances were two presentations of Britten’s War Requiem in June 2018, presented jointly with the English Arts Chorale: over 140 chorus singers, Bristol Cathedral Choristers, two orchestras, and three soloists joined together for performances at Winchester Cathedral and Tewkesbury Abbey, receiving tremendous praise.
The concert is anticipated to provide an unforgettable musical experience.
An enthusiastic member said it will be uplifting, joyful, and leave you feeling positive, and that it is truly a wonderful way to spend a Sunday evening.
The Burford Singers extend their thanks to the Josephine Baker Trust for providing financial support for three of the soloists in the evening’s performance.
The soloists are remarkable and typically perform at venues such as the Royal Opera House, so having them appear in such an intimate and beautiful setting as Burford church is truly special.
The Burford Singers perform Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus at Burford Parish Church on Sunday, March 29 at 7.30pm.
Tickets are available from burfordsingers.org.uk or at the door from 6.45pm.
Those interested in joining the choir are welcome to attend a rehearsal. Simply email chairman@burfordsingers.org.uk for more information. The choir rehearses at Burford Church Hall every Thursday during term times from 7.30-9.30 pm.