Saturday 2 May, from 9.30am to 6.00pm Come and Sing Day with Matthew Owens J. S. BACH: ‘LUTHERAN’ MASS IN F MAJOR HANDEL: MESSIAH HIGHLIGHTS in the Methodist Church, Wells

Saturday 7 November, 7.00pm J. S. BACH: ‘LUTHERAN’ MASS IN F MAJOR CANTATA 140, WACHET AUF! BRANDENBURG CONCERTO 1 Ali Darragh soprano Simon Clulow countertenor Iain MacLeod-Jones Greg Skidmore bass Music for Awhile Orchestra (on period instruments) Maggie Faultless leader

Matthew Owens conductor

Saturday 5 December, 7.00pm HANDEL: MESSIAH Susan Hamilton soprano James Neville countertenor Iain Milne tenor David Shipley bass Music for Awhile Orchestra Matthew Owens conductor

2

Sir Edward Elgar (1857 – 1934) The Kingdom Opus 51 (1906)

An oratorio for soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor and bass soloists, full choir and orchestra, based on biblical texts selected and arranged by Elgar. ______

Jane Irwin soprano Kathryn Rudge mezzo soprano Peter Auty tenor David Kempster baritone ______

Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society Chorus ______

Southern Sinfonia Alexander Hohenthal leader ______

Matthew Owens conductor ______

This concert takes place in the Cathedral by kind permission of the Chapter of Wells Cathedral. The use of mobile telephones, photography, or recording of any kind is forbidden except by express permission of the Chapter.

Printed music supplied by Somerset Libraries, Arts, & Information

Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society is affiliated to Making Music.

3 Programme Notes

Elgar was born in Broadheath, a village been given as a wedding present), was close to Worcester, on 2nd June 1857. particularly well received. In Germany His father was a piano tuner with a shop Richard Strauss praised Elgar as ‘the first in the centre of Worcester. He studied English progressive musician’. the music availa- Whilst still at ble in his father’s school Elgar’s shop and taught class had been himself to play a taught that: ‘The number of instru- Apostles were ments. He played very young men the organ at St. and very poor. George’s Roman Perhaps, before Catholic Church in the descent of the Worcester, taught Holy Ghost, they the violin and were no cleverer conducted and than some of you composed for here.’ Elgar be- local musical or- gan planning a ganisations. His religious work original genius about those lowly, was coupled with a strong determination uneducated men who had laid the foun- and Elgar was largely self-taught as a dations of Christianity, the first sketches composer. dating from the early 1880s. But it be- He struggled to gain recognition in a late came clear that one work would not con- Victorian provincial class conscious soci- tain all he wanted to say. Elgar arrived ety where, as a Roman Catholic, he also at the idea of a trilogy. Three full-length had to contend with religious bigotry. In oratorios would depict the calling of the opposition to her family in 1889 he mar- twelve young men (The Apostles), the ried Caroline Alice Roberts, the or- beginning of their evangelical mission on phaned daughter of a Major-General earth (The Kingdom) and the outcome at who had been prominent in the British the end of time (The Last Judgement). army in India. Her faith in Elgar was im- This would deal with the foundation and portant as his career slowly developed in ultimate purpose of the Church. Worcestershire until, at the end of the Elgar only managed to get two-thirds of century, in 1899, he had particular suc- the way through his trilogy. The Apostles cess with the Enigma Variations. was finished in 1903 and The Kingdom in The Dream of Gerontius (1900), based on 1906; but although he continued sketch- Cardinal Newman’s poem (which he had ing out The Last Judgement almost up to

4 his death in 1934, the music remained but it seems that, at heart, he knew the fragmentary. Elgar conducted the first trilogy idea was dead in the water. performance of The Kingdom at the Bir- The Kingdom has had some distinguished mingham Festival on 3 October 1906. admirers, among them the conductors Like his other works on sacred themes at Hans Richter and Adrian Boult, who con- the top of the manuscript Elgar added sidered it Elgar’s greatest choral work, of the dedication A M D G (Ad Majorem Dei more consistent quality than even Ger- Gloriam – to the greater glory of God) ontius. He wrote it at Plas Gwyn, his Hereford home from 1904 to 1911 As the second part of a huge trilogy (possibly to be performed, like Wagner’s The first performance was a success with Ring, on successive evenings), The King- the audience, one reviewer even ranking dom can be understood as a kind of sym- The Kingdom with Bach’s St Matthew phonic ‘slow movement’ and the open- Passion. However, others were more ing orchestral Prelude has a splendid dubious and the influential critic Ernest slow march tune that Elgar called ‘New Newman, seems to have influenced him Faith’. in not continuing the trilogy: ‘He has The emphasis in The Kingdom is not so seen fit to fasten upon his own back the much on the vigorous action of the burden of an unwieldy, impossible young Church as it sets out to convert scheme for three oratorios on the sub- the world, but on its spiritual consolida- ject of the founding of the Church; and tion. Some of the finest moments in the until that scheme is done with, and Elgar work are those that depict the Apostles seeks inspiration in a subject of another together: celebrating Mass in the first type, the most sanguine of us cannot and final scenes, and receiving the Holy expect much from him in the way of Spirit at Pentecost. There are also mo- fresh or really vital music ... At present ments where the emphasis is on individ- he is simply riding post-haste along the uals. Peter’s condemnation of the ‘men road that leads to nowhere.’ The experi- of Israel’ for crucifying Christ and Mary’s ence of writing The Kingdom had been solo ‘The sun goeth down’ after the ar- draining; Elgar’s physical health declined rest of the Apostles. During the compos- and he began to suffer seriously from er’s lifetime this became popular as a anxiety and depression. separate concert piece but here it is the Elgar soon after began work on his First culminating point of his radiant confes- Symphony, which – at its premiere in sion of faith. 1908 – was to prove a great success. This was followed by the Symphony No. 2, Synopsis the violin and cello concertos, and the In The Kingdom Elgar set about telling ‘symphonic study’ Falstaff; Elgar had the story of the acts of the disciples after found his true métier. He may have gone Jesus’s ascension, taking most of his text on tinkering with The Last Judgement, from the first four chapters of the Acts of

5 the Apostles and adding some extra lines lame man the women had seen earlier. from the Didache (later writings about They command him to rise up and walk, the Apostles from circa 100AD) which and people marvel at witnessing this had been re-discovered in 1872. miracle. Peter and John preach to the crowd, proclaiming Jesus’s resurrection – The opening orchestral prelude depicts unpopular with local officials, who arrest Jerusalem, and introduces St Peter, who them. reflects on the denial of Christ, and then gathers strength for the duties that await There follows a nocturnal interlude him. where Mary sings The Sun Goeth Down. As evening falls around her, she medi- The Prelude runs straight into Part One, tates on the wonders she has witnessed. which Elgar calls ‘In the Upper Room’, where St Peter greets St John and the The final section of The Kingdom is subti- two holy women – the Blessed Virgin tled ‘In Fellowship’ and returns to where Mary and Mary Magdalene. Together the piece started – the Upper Room. they remember Jesus, and quote his re- Saints Peter and John recount the story marks “where two or three are gathered of their arrest and interrogation. Togeth- together in My Name, there am I”. er they take Holy Communion, and the Part Two takes place ‘At the Beautiful Lord’s Prayer is heard. The Kingdom Gate’ on the morning of Pentecost; and, doesn’t end in a blaze of glory – the clos- on seeing a lame man, Mary the mother ing music is gracious and gentle – a se- of Jesus and Mary Magdalene reminisce rene acceptance of God’s love. on how Jesus healed the blind and lame.

Part Three returns to the Upper Room, and the tenor soloist, assuming the role THE KINGDOM of narrator, reflects on Pentecost, when Jerusalem the Holy Spirit descended from heaven Prelude and granted the Apostles the power to I—IN THE UPPER ROOM be understood in every language. Peter recalls God’s promise to pour forth his Chorus: The Disciples and the Holy spirit, reminding the Apostles that Women ‘whoever shall call on the name of the Seek first the Kingdom of God. and His Lord shall be saved’. Peter exhorts the righteousness. people to be baptized in the name of Christ, and Part Three ends with a rous- Recit: Peter ing chorus. Peace be multiplied unto you.

Part Four begins with a section called Chorus: The Disciples and the Holy The Sign of Healing which opens with a Women tranquil interlude. We’re at the Gate of Peace; peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers. the Temple, and Peter and John see the

6 Peter holy promise. In the concord of breth- “Where two or three are gathered to- ren, in the love of neighbours, O praise gether in My Name, there am I in the the Name of the Lord our God. The true midst of them.” Vine, The Bread of Life: He brake, and

Mary, Mary Magdalene, John and Peter gave It to us. Praise the Name of our Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, God, That hath dealt wondrously with us. Amen. The Disciples and the Holy Women, Jesus, the Holy One. Peter Men and brethren: it was needful that John the scripture should be fulfilled, which “Surely they are My people”: the Holy Ghost spake before by the

The Disciples and the Holy Women mouth of David concerning Judas, who so He was their Saviour ; was guide to them that took Jesus: for he was numbered among us, and had Mary obtained part of this ministry. For while all things were in quiet silence, and that night was in the midst of her The Disciples and the Holy Women swift course, Thine almighty Word “Let his habitation be desolate, and let leaped down from heaven out of Thy no man dwell therein, and his office let royal throne. another take.”

The Disciples and the Holy Women Peter The Light of the world. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Mary Magdalene Lord Jesus went in and out among us, The Dayspring from on high hath visited must one be ordained to be a witness us, to guide our feet into the way of with us of His resurrection. peace. Peter, John and the Disciples The Disciples and the Holy Women Thou, Lord, Which knowest the hearts of The Way, the Truth, and the Life. all men, shew of these two the one John whom Thou hast chosen, to take the Did not their heart burn within them, place in this ministry and apostleship. while He talked with them by the way? Choral Recitative Peter They gave forth their lots: He took bread, and blessed it, and brake, (The lot is cast; but the whole disposing and gave it to us. thereof is of the Lord).

The Disciples and the Holy Women and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles. The true Vine; the Bread of Life. All John, Peter, Mary, Mary Magdalene, the Let them give thanks whom the Lord Disciples and the Holy Women hath redeemed; He remembered His The Lord hath chosen you to stand be-

7 fore Him to serve Him; you shall be III—PENTECOST named the Priest of the Lord. In the Upper Room

Chorus Recitative (Tenor.) O ye priests! Seemeth it but a small thing And when the day of Pentecost was fully that God hath separated you to bring you come, they were all with one accord in near to Himself, to stand before the con- one place. gregation to minister unto them? For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of The Disciples your Father Which speaketh in you: the When the great Lord will, we shall be Lord hath chosen you; ye are the messen- filled with the Spirit of understanding. gers of the Lord of hosts. It is not ye that Mystic Chorus (Sopranos and Contraltos) speak, but the Spirit of your Father Which The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon speaketh in you. them; the spirit of wisdom and under- O ye priests! This commandment is for standing. the spirit of counsel and might, you. the spirit of knowledge. Come from the four winds, O Spirit. II—AT THE BEAUTIFUL GATE “I will pour forth of My Spirit and they The Morn of Pentecost shall prophesy; and I will shew wonders in the heaven above, and signs on the earth Mary and Mary Magdalene beneath.” The singers are before the altar; they make sweet melody, and sing the words John of David, the sweet psalmist; he beauti- When the Comforter is come, we shall fied the feasts that the temple might bear witness; sound from morning. The Lord hath pre- Peter pared a sacrifice; the day of the First- and speak as moved by the Holy Spirit. Fruits. This man, lame from his mother’s womb, The Disciples is carried daily to the Beautiful Gate; To When the great Lord will, we shall be filled with the Spirit of understanding. him that is afflicted pity should be shewed; let us give alms of such things as Retitative (Contralto) we have. And suddenly there came from heaven a The blind and the lame came to Jesus in sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, the temple, and He healed them, He knew and it filled all the house where they were their sorrows; Himself took their infirmi- sitting; and there appeared unto them ties, and bare their sicknesses. He hath tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; looked down from the height of His sanc- and it sat upon each one of them:— tuary, to hear their sighing. And they were all filled with the Holy Spir- The service of the Lord is prepared; the it, and began to speak with other tongues, day of the First-Fruits: let us go into the as the Spirit gave them utterance. house of the Lord.

8 The Disciples tongue will He speak to this people. He, Who walketh upon the wings of the When they heard, they trembled; like wind, shall baptize with the Holy Ghost, men whom wine hath overcome, their lips and with fire. He, Whose ministers are quiver. Because of the Lord, and because flaming fire, shall baptize with the Holy of the words of His holiness. We hear Ghost, and with fire. them speak in our tongues; what mean- eth this? Mystic Chorus (Sopranos and Altos) (The Lord put forth His hand, and touched Peter their mouth; God hath spoken, who can (“I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail but prophesy?) not; and thou, when thou art converted,

Retitative (Contralto) strengthen thy brethren.”) And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jews, devout men, from every nation un- Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and der heaven; and when this sound was give ear unto my words: This is that which heard, the multitude came together, and was spoken by the Prophet,— were all amazed, and marvelled. “It shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your In Solomon’s Porch daughters shall prophesy, and your young The People men shall see visions, and your old men Behold, are not all these which speak, shall dream dreams; and it shall be that Galileans? And how hear we, every man whosoever shall call on the Name of the in our tongue, wherein we were born? Lord shall be saved.”

John Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus He, Who walketh upon the wings of the of Nazareth, a Man approved of God unto wind, hath baptized with the Holy Ghost, you by mighty works, and wonders, and and with fire. signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know; Him, The People being delivered up by the determinate We do hear them speak in our tongues counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye, by the wonderful works of God! the hand of lawless men did crucify and

Peter slay: this Jesus hath God raised up, He, Whose ministers are flaming fire, hath whereof we are all witnesses. baptized with the Holy Ghost, and with Chorus (Sopranos and Contraltos) fire. (The Lord put forth His hand, and touched

The People their mouth; God hath spoken, who can What meaneth this? These men are full of but prophesy?) new wine. They are truly full of power, Peter even the Spirit of the Lord. They drink, Therefore, being exalted at the right hand and forget the law, and pervert the judg- of God, and having received of the Father ment. With stammering lips and another the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath

9 poured forth this, which ye now see and In the Name of Jesus Christ: of His own hear. Let all the house of Israel know as- will, God brought us forth by the word of suredly, that God hath made Him both truth, that we should be a kind of First- Lord and Christ;— this Jesus Whom ye Fruits of His creatures, in the Name of crucified. Jesus Christ, Whom the God of our fa-

The People { and Basses) thers hath glorified. (“His blood be on us, and on our chil- dren.”) Interval - 20 minutes Peter Wine and soft drinks are available Whom ye crucified. in the Transepts Contralto (Solo) (“Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for IV—THE SIGN OF HEALING Me, but weep for yourselves, and for your At the Beautiful Gate children.”)

The People Recitative (Contralto) Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then they that gladly received his word We have denied the Holy and Righteous were baptized, and continued steadfastly One, and asked for a murderer to be in the Apostles’ teaching, and in Fellow- granted to us; we have killed the Prince of ship, in the Breaking of Bread, and the life. Men and brethren, what shall we do? Prayers; and fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done Peter by the Apostles. Repent,— and be baptized every one of The man that was lame, at the Beautiful you, in the Name of Jesus Christ; for to Gate, seeing Peter and John about to go you is the promise, and to your children, into the temple, asked to receive an alms; and to all that are afar off, even as many and Peter, fastening his eyes upon him, as the Lord our God shall call unto Him. with John, said:—

The People Peter In the Name of Jesus Christ; for to us is Look on us. Silver and gold have I none; the promise, and to our children and to all but what I have, that give I thee. In the that are afar off, even as many as the Lord Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up our God shall call unto Him. Pour upon us and walk. the Spirit of grace. The People Peter This is he which sat for alms, lame from In the Name of Jesus Christ. his mother’s womb. He entereth the tem- The People ple, walking and praising God!

Pour upon us the Spirit of grace. Peter All Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this There shall be a fountain opened to the man? The God of Abraham, of Isaac, and house of David. of Jacob, the God of our fathers hath glo-

10 rified His Servant Jesus, Whom ye deliv- great are Thy signs, how mighty are Thy ered up: by faith in His Name hath His wonders; Who healeth all infirmities. The Name made this man strong, whom ye Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached behold and know. in the whole world; the Kingdom and pa-

John tience, which are in Jesus. The Branch of Unto you that fear His Name shall the Sun the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious. of righteousness arise with healing in His Thou makest darkness, I meditate on wings. Unto you first God, having raised Thee; in the night Thy song shall be with up His Servant, sent Him to bless you, in me a prayer unto the God of my life. turning away every one of you from your iniquities. V—THE UPPER ROOM In Fellowship Peter and John Turn ye again, that your sins may be The Disciples and the Holy Women blotted out, that so there may come sea- The voice of joy is in the dwelling of the sons refreshing from the presence of the righteous: the stone which the builders Lord. rejected is become the head of the cor- ner.

The Arrest John

Recitative (Contralto) The rulers asked: “By what power, or in And as they spake, the priests and the what name, have ye done this?” Then Sadducees came upon them, being sore Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said “In troubled, because they proclaimed in the Name of Jesus Christ.”

Jesus the resurrection from the dead: and The Disciples and the Holy Women they laid hands on them, and put them in In none other is there salvation: neither is ward unto the morrow; for it was now there, under heaven, any other name eventide. wherein we must be saved.

Mary Peter The sun goeth down; Thou makest dark- And when they took knowledge of us that ness, and it is night: I commune with mine we had been with Jesus, they charged us own heart, and meditate on Thee, in the not to speak at all, nor teach in His Name; night watches. we cannot but speak the things we saw Blessed are ye when men shall persecute and heard. you for His sake. They deliver them up to the council, they are hated of men for His John Name’s sake; all this is come upon them: Finding nothing how they might punish — some shall they kill and crucify; Blessed us, concerning a good deed done to an are ye, reproached for the Name of impotent man, they further threatened Christ. us; and being let go, we are come to our own company. Rejoice, ye partakers of His sufferings, that when His glory shall be revealed ye The Disciples and the Holy Women may be glad also, with exceeding joy. How Lord, Thou didst make the heaven, and

11 the earth, and the sea, and all that in Peter them is. Give thanks,— for the Broken Bread.

The rulers gather together against the The Disciples and the Holy Women Lord and His Anointed: Lord, behold their We thank Thee, our Father, for the Life threatenings; grant Thy servants to speak and Knowledge. As this Broken Bread was Thy word with all boldness, while Thou grain scattered upon the mountains, and stretchest forth Thy hand to heal. Praise gathered together became one, so may the Name of our God That hath dealt Thy Church be gathered together from wondrously with us. the bounds of the earth into Thy King- dom. The Breaking of Bread

The Disciples and the Holy Women The Prayers

Thou, Almighty Lord, hast given food and All drink to mankind; but to us, Thou hast Our Father, Which art in Heaven, hal- vouchsafed spiritual food and drink and lowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come, life eternal through Thy Servant. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heav- Peter en. Give us this day our daily bread; and If any is holy;— forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive

The Disciples them that trespass against us, and lead us let him come. not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for Thine is the Kingdom, the power, Peter and the glory; for ever and ever. Amen. If any is not; John The Disciples and the Holy Women Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, let him repent. Peter Mary, Mary Magdalene, John and Peter whereby we cry, Abba,— In the Name of Jesus Christ. Men

John Father.

Give thanks,— first for the Cup. All

The Disciples and the Holy Women Thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeem- We thank Thee, our Father, for the Holy er, and we are Thine. Vine.

R. I. P. Bob Wear died early this year. He was a long standing Tenor, singing with the Society as a member of the Wedmore contingent, who practiced there and later joined the Wells section for our concerts. He was a close friend of fellow Tenor Mervin Salmon who died last year; both were loyal choir members.

12

Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society

Patron: John Rutter, CBE Conductor: Matthew Owens President: The Dean of Wells Chairman: Robin Duys

Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society Saint Nicholas; Elgar’s Dream of Ger- (WCOS) was founded in 1896 and is ontius; Fauré’s ; Handel’s one of the Southwest’s leading choral Four Coronation Anthems; Mendels- societies. It performs the great choral sohn’s Elijah; Mozart’s Requiem and C works with some of the UK’s finest Minor Mass; Orff’s Carmina Burana; soloists and professional orchestras in Verdi’s Requiem; and major works by the glorious surroundings of ‘The Finzi, Purcell, Rutter, and Vaughan Queen of English Cathedrals’. Num- Williams. The Society also presents bering around 160 voices, WCOS gives Handel’s ever-popular Messiah, each three concerts a year, under the di- December. WCOS hosts an annual rection of the distinguished conduc- Come and Sing day each spring, to tor, Matthew Owens, Organist and which any singers are welcome to Master of the Choristers at Wells Ca- learn and perform a work from thedral. scratch, in just a few hours. Under Owens it has performed Bach’s For further details about WCOS, in- St John Passion, B minor Mass, and cluding how to join, please visit : Christmas Oratorio; Brahms’s German Requiem; Britten’s War Requiem and www.wcos.org.uk

New Ticketing Choices

Due to the rising costs of staging our concerts, we have had to look at all aspects of our costs. To this end, we shall from next season be able to offer our concert seats on line; just go to www wcos.org.uk., follow the instructions, order your favourite seats and pay by credit card. If you are not on the internet, please go to the Cathedral shop as you always have done, and buy your tickets there.

In the meantime please enjoy this concert, and we look forward to your being with us next season, which promises to have another exciting programme, including Bach, Handel, and Walton. Robin Duys (Chairman)

13 JANE IRWIN soprano merung and Anezka in The Two Widows by Smetana at the Edinburgh Festival. Jane Irwin studied at Lancaster University Recent and future engagements include a and at the Royal Northern College of recital at Pollok House, concerts with Music. As a concert and recital singer she Manchester Camerata, Northern Sinfonia, has appeared regularly in Britain, Europe Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Nation- and America. In 2002 she al Orchestra of Wales, made her Carnegie Hall City of Birmingham debut with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (with Sir Simon Rattle), Symphony under Mariss Cambridge University Jansons. She has sung for Music Society, Wells the BBC Proms, at the Cathedral Oratorio Edinburgh International Society, National Youth Festival, the Berlin Festi- Orchestra of Scotland, val, the Concertgebouw San Diego Orchestra, and the Musikverein. She Finnish Radio Sympho- has worked with many of ny, Real Filharmonia de the world’s leading Galicia, Orchestre National de Lyon and orchestras in the UK, Sao Paulo Symphony Europe and US and with Orchestra as well as conductors including Brangäne in Tristan und Myung Whun Chung, Isolde for the Deutsche Günther Herbig, Semyon Bychkov, Ivor Berlin conducted by Donald Runni- Bolton, Andrew Davis, Libor Pesek, Donald cles and directed by Graham Vick and the Runnicles, Antonio Pappano, Sakari role of Isolde for Regensburg opera. Oramo, Mark Elder, Matthias Bamert,

Trevor Pinnock, Petr Altrichter, Paul KATHRYN RUDGE Daniel, Joseph Swensen, Sir Richard mezzo soprano Armstrong and Jakov Kreizberg. She has given recitals at the Châtelet, Paris, Born in Liverpool in 1986, Kathryn com- London, Edinburgh, Geneva, Aix-en- pleted her studies at the Royal Northern Provence and Japan. College of Music with Susan Roper on the International Artist Diploma scheme in She made her debut at the ROH in a new 2011. Upon graduating she joined the production of Götterdämmerung (Second ENO Young Artist programme and be- Norn) under Bernard Haitink returning in tween 2010 and 2013 was a Young Classi- 2003 to sing Suzuki in Madam Butterfly. cal Artists Trust artist She has sung in Die Walküre at Bayreuth, and Brangäne in for San Featured as The Times Rising Star of Francisco Opera and English National Classical Music 2012, over the last year Opera, Mère Marie in Dialogues des Kathryn has made her debut to critical Carmélites for the Lyric Opera of Chicago, acclaim with ENO as Cherubino in a and appears regularly with Scottish Opera production directed by Fiona Shaw and at in roles including Waltraute in Götterdäm- as Sesto in Giulio Cesare. 14 Her concert work has included recitals at Scholarship, Kathleen Ferrier Bursary, Wigmore Hall, Bridgewater Hall, the Clonter Opera Prize and the Bruce Millar/ Brighton, City of London and Cheltenham Gullivar Prize. Kathryn is a Samling Schol- Festival and a performance of as ar. part of Charles Hazlewood’s 2012 Orches- Recent and future operatic engagements tra In a Field music festi- include Cherubino for val at Glastonbury Abbey. Glyndebourne Touring On the concert platform Opera, Annio in La Kathryn has appeared as Clemenza di Tito and soloist with the RLPO Hermia in A Midsummer working with conductors Night’s Dream for Opera Vasily Petrenko, Carl Davis North and Dorabella in and John Wilson. She has Cosi fan tutte for sung Beethoven’s Sym- Garsington. Concert phony No. 9 with the engagements include Philharmonia Orchestra performances with the conducted by Paul Daniel RLPO, Huddersfield at the Royal Festival Hall, Choral Society, Leeds Mahler’s Das Knaben Festival Chorus, Wells Wunderhorn at Bridge- Cathedral Oratorio water Hall, Karl Jenkins Society, Raymond The Armed Man with Manchester Camer- Gubbay and recitals for Champs Hill, Lake ata and Berio and Hesketh Songs with the District Summer Music, Chester and RLPO Ensemble 10/10. Windsor Festivals and the RNCM. While at the RNCM Kathryn won numer- ous prizes and awards including a Silver PETER AUTY tenor Medal, Allcard Award and the audience prize for The Prince’s Peter Auty is established Prize from the Worshipful as one of Britain’s Company of Musicians, leading tenors. He made his professional début at an MBF Sybil Tutton Opera North in 1998/9 Award, the Annie Ri- and returned in 2001/02 dyard, Amanda Roocroft as Rodolfo in their much and Bridgitte Fassbaender acclaimed production of awards, and the Alexan- La Bohème. der Young, Frederic Cox Peter Auty was a com- and Joyce and Michael pany principal of the Kennedy Strauss prizes. Royal Opera, Covent Nationally she has won a Garden from 1999 until Susan Chilcott Scholar- 2002 where he covered ship, a BBC Fame Acade- several major roles and my Bursary, Yamaha MFE had the opportunity of working with many of 15 the world’s leading singers and conduc- made his recital debut in London in the tors. He has returned as guest to sing the 2009 Rosenblatt Recital Series. During the roles of Malcolm in and Edgardo 2011 BBC Proms season he performed the in . tenor solo at the Royal Albert Hall in Elsewhere in the UK Peter Auty has London with combined forces of over worked with ; Cava- 1000 musicians in Havergal Brian’s Sym- radossi in Tosca, Opera Holland Park: phony No. 1 ‘The Gothic’ now released on Count Vaudémont in Iolanta, Alvaro in La the Hyperion label. Forza del Destino and Lensky in Eugene Onegin, Glyndebourne Festival Opera: Recent and future highlights include Macduff in Macbeth, Nemorino in L’elisir Gounod’s Faust for Opera North, Turridu d’amore; Glyndebourne on Tour: Don José and Canio in Cavalleria Rusticana and I in Carmen, Rodolfo in La Bohéme; English Pagliacci for Opera Holland Park, Don José National Opera: Italian Tenor in Der in Carmen at the Aalto Theater Essen, Rosenkavalier, Duke in , Rodolfo concerts with the RTE Concert Orchestra in La Bohéme, Turridu in Cavaleria Rustica- and Hallé under Sir Mark Elder. He sang na and Gabriele in Simon Boccanegra, the role of Maurizio in Adriana Lecouvreur Opera North: Alfredo in , Don for Opera Holland Park in July 2014 and José in Carmen, Doctor Faust in Faust and opened the 14/15 season singing the role Scottish Opera: Rodolfo and Don José. of Dick in The Girl of the Golden West for . Abroad he has worked with several com- panies including Frankfurt Opera, Natio- DAVID KEMPSTER baritone nale Reisopera: and New Zealand Opera. Born in Chirk, North Wales, David Kemp- On the concert platform Peter Auty has ster studied at the Royal Northern College worked with many of the UK’s leading of Music in Manchester. orchestras. These have included the London Symphony Orchestra (Sir Colin David joined English National Opera as a Davis), the Orchestra of Principal Baritone in the Age of Enlightenment 1998, where his many (Sir Mark Elder), and the roles included Marcello London Philharmonic in La Bohème, Lescaut Orchestra (Neeme Järvi, in Manon Lescaut, Conte di Luna in Il Vladimir Jurowsky). Trovatore, Poacher in Appearances abroad have Cunning Little Vixen included concerts with the and Teddy Foran in the Iceland Symphony Orches- world premiere of tra conducted by Vladimir Mark Anthony Turn- Ashkenazy, the Bergen age’s opera The Silver Philharmonic Orchestra Tassie. David has since under Edward Gardner, returned to ENO for a Royal Flemish Philharmon- number of projects including Escamillo in ic under and Carmen, Sharpless in the Sydney Symphony Madama Butterfly, Orchestra. Peter Auty 16 Agamemnon in La Belle Hélène and most Apostles (Hallé Orchestra; BBC Proms), recently Belcore in Elixir of Love. A long Sharpless in Madama Butterfly (Royal and productive relationship with Welsh Danish Opera), From the House of the National Opera has seen David as Thaos in Dead and Iago in (Opera North), Iphigenie en Tauride, Marcello in La Amonasro in Aida (Royal Albert Hall), Bohème and his hugely successful debut as Iago in Otello, encouraging one critic to Lescaut in Manon Lescaut, and Notting- comment that he had ‘blossomed into a ham in Roberto Devereux for WNO’s ‘The true Verdi baritone’. Tudors’ season, Balstrode in the Alde- burgh Festival’s acclaimed production of Also in the UK, David has appeared at Peter Grimes on Aldeburgh beach and the Glyndebourne as Escamillo in Carmen and role in Nabucco. Falke in Die Fledermaus, at Opera North as Cecil in Maria Stuarda and at Buxton This season David sings the title role in Festival as Nottingham in Roberto Deve- Guillaume Tell for Welsh National Opera, reux and Miller in Luisa Miller. Sharpless in Madama Butterfly at the David made his US debut with Dallas Royal Albert Hall, Count di Luna in Il Opera as Sharpless in Madama Butterfly Trovatore (Scottish Opera) and Sévère in and returned there to sing Nottingham in Donizetti’s Les Martyrs for a concert and Roberto Devereux. He also appeared as recording with Sir Mark Elder for Opera Lescaut in Manon Lescaut for Florida Rara. Grand Opera. Appearances on the concert platform include Fauré Requiem (BBC MATTHEW OWENS conductor National Orchestra of Wales), Carmina Matthew Owens is Organist and Master Burana (London Concert Orchestra at the of the Choristers of Wells Cathedral, Barbican; Hallé; Jersey Symphony Orches- having previously been Organist and tra; National Eisteddfod of Wales), Opera Master of the Music at St Mary’s Episco- Galas for Raymond Gubbay (Barbican; pal Cathedral, Edinburgh (1999-2004), Bridgewater Hall; Royal and Sub Organist of Concert Hall, Glasgow), Manchester Cathedral. The Dream of Gerontius He is also Conductor of (Royal Liverpool Philhar- the Wells Cathedral monic Orchestra; Welsh Oratorio Society, and Proms at St David’s Hall, was President of the Cardiff), Judas Macca- Cathedral Organists’ beus (London Mozart Association from 2010- Players), concert perfor- 13. He is the Founder mances of Eugene Artistic Director of two Onegin (Hallé / Mark initiatives at Wells: Elder) and Leonore Cathedral Commis- (Schlossfestspiele, sions, a scheme which Ludwigsburg). enables the cathedral Recent engagements choir to commission include Peter in The

17 new works from pre-eminent British organist with major labels including composers; and new music wells, a Hyperion and Regent. festival which is a retrospective of the last As an organist, Matthew has given recitals forty years of music as well as featuring in Australia, France, the Republic of many premieres. In addition to being Ireland, Switzerland, New Zealand, USA, responsible for the 1100 year old choral and throughout the UK, including many tradition of daily worship at Wells Cathe- festival appearances, and at venues such dral, Matthew has toured, broadcast, and as St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster recorded extensively with Wells Cathedral Cathedral, and St John’s Smith Square. He Choir which, in 2011, was named by an has championed new music, particularly international jury for Gramophone as the of British composers, premiering many best choir in the world with children, and new works by leading composers ranging the sixth greatest overall. from Jools Holland to James MacMillan, Born in 1971, Matthew was educated at and John Rutter to Sir Peter Maxwell Chetham’s School of Music and The Davies. He is active as a composer himself Queen’s College, Oxford. As a postgradu- and has works published by Oxford ate he received the highest award for University Press and Novello. He was performance, the Professional Perfor- made an Honorary Fellow of the Guild of mance Diploma, with distinction, and the Church Musicians in November 2012. college Bach prize at the Royal Northern College of Music; gained a Master’s Degree from the University of Manches- Southern Sinfonia’s reputation continues ter; won thirteen prizes in the diplomas of to grow as the leading professional Cham- the Royal College of Organists, and was ber Orchestra in the South of . awarded the Silver Medal of the Worship- With Sir Roger Norrington as its Patron ful Company of Musicians. He then stud- and David Hill as its Music Director, the ied at the Sweelinck Conservatorium in orchestra was established in 1990 and is Amsterdam. His major organ studies were based in Newbury, Berkshire. with Gordon Stewart, Margaret Phillips, Its unique ability to play modern and and Jacques van Oortmerssen. From 1994 Baroque instruments, and therefore -99, he was Tutor in Organ Studies at the music from the 1600s to the present day, RNCM and Chetham’s and worked for BBC at the correct pitch and with informed Religious Broadcasting. From 1997-2011 playing style, puts it in huge demand, as he was Conductor of The Exon Singers. does its commitment to contemporary and new music. The orchestra is Orchestra As well as guest conducting a number of in Residence at the Corn Exchange and professional orchestras, Matthew has the University of Winchester, has an directed choral workshops and summer association with Reading University, and schools throughout the UK and abroad – performs in venues throughout England, including recent visits to Australia, China, including London, Wells, Exeter, Canter- Germany, Hong Kong, Luxembourg, New bury, Cambridge, Nottingham and Rom- Zealand, and the USA – and has made sey. over thirty CDs as a conductor or solo

18 As well as regular orchestral concerts and grammes, as well as a popular lunchtime performances with the South of England’s series of Café Concerts. Southern Sinfo- most established chamber choirs and nia’s most recent releases include the choral societies, the organisation runs Monteverdi Vespers, on the Signum label, biennial Young and Older Musician of the the world premiere of Carl Rütti’s Requi- Year competitions, provides a perfor- em (Naxos), and the Bach B Minor Mass, mance platform for the Hampshire with Ralph Allwood and the Rodolfus Singing Competition winner and runs Choir (Signum). regular and extensive educational pro-

Violin 1 Double Bass Horn Alexander Hohenthal David Ayre Gavin Edwards Stelios Chatziiosifidis Martin Henderson Gillian Jones Jeremy Sampson Neil Watson Julian Faultless Martin Gill Phillipa Slack Tim Birchall Flute Johanna McWeeney Katey Thomas Trumpet Katrina McWilliams Tim Taylorson Howard Rowntree Kate Scrivens Anne Allen (+picc) Simon Jones Steve Adams Violin II Oboe Helena Ruinard Rachel Broadbent Trombone Helen Ward Natasha Wilson Andy Cole Martin Palmer Simon Dewhurst (+cor) Lewis Rowlands Victoria Barnes Alastair Warren Alison Wyatt Clarinet Dawn Kelleher Sarah Thurlow Tuba Bogdan Offenberg Rela Spyrou Andrew Kershaw

Viola Bass Clarinet Timpani Chris Beckett Alistair Logan Owen Gunnell Sharadra Mack Susannah Pattinson Bassoon Percussion Helen Tucker Sarah Whibley Andrew Lewis Bruce Wilson Iona Garvie Ian Stark

Cello Contra-Bassoon Organ Steve Collisson Jackie Hayter Nicholas Freestone Sally Woods Claire Constable Amy Jolly

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Soprano Maggie St Quinton Jane James John Morton Janet Saxon Lynne Jarman Andrew Phillips Sarah Allen Margaret Sutton Jane Jarratt Elsa van der Zee Ann Baker Dominique Swain Janet Johnson Robin Walker ¶ Joyce Banner Pamela Tomlinson ¶ Sue Jones Jack Wilde * Pam Booth Christine Tudor Amanda Karpinski ¶ John Williams † Kate Brown Patricia Turner Hilary Kitcher David Wood Barbara Calverley Helen Wade June Latham Felicity Chapman Jan Weaver Jessica Leach Bass Margaret Chapman Jo Weir Alex Lemanski Barbara Cooke David Abels Lucy Williams Swan Lennard Payne Christopher Allinson Julia Davies Jane Withey Barbara Leuwer Margaret Davies Martin Banner Jackie Young Jennifer Mackenzie Christopher Boddie Cheril Evans-Jones Philippa Mains Caroline Fletcher Neill Bonham ¶ Alto Mary Massey Michael Bowman Heather Forgham Della Menday ¶ Caroline Foss Jenny Abraham Michael Calverley Christine Barker Liz Metcalfe John Castree Sandra Freeborn Claire Mitchell Carolyn Fussell Sandra Barwise Geoffrey Clarke Sally Bayley Mary Newman David Cooke Margaret Gelder Claire Pennack Sue Gould Anne Beechey Will Drakett * Sylvia Birbeck Geraldine Price Peter Farrell Maureen Grant Janet Ravenscroft Antonia Gwynn Sue Boothroyd Stephen Foulks † Diana Brown Margaret Rayfield David Flinders Jane Hancock Mary Sage Susan Hanson Vivienne Burgess Niall Garden Louise Burton Olivia Sharp Gabriel Gilson Sarah Hare Celia Townend Margaret Heffernan Mary Carlisle Roger Good Rosemary Cooke Lynn Waldron Wesley Hallam Jenny Henderson Sue Wells Rachel Hewson Nikki Copleston Trevor Hazelgrove Polly Corbishley Fenella Williams Richard Henderson Emma Jones Kate Wilson Isabel Lee Sue Curragh Derek Hiller Gill Deamer Kate Wood Chris Jenkins ¶ Carolyn Legg Jo Wright Ruth Lickfold Sian Decamp Dennis Johnson Joan Dovey John King Anne Limond Tenor Della Luetchford Robin Duys ¶ Richard Lander Michael Leach Rosemary Lunn Kate Fielder Alan Brown Jennie Lunnon Janie Garnon John Buckland † Robin Perry Andrew Rainsford Nancy McGiveron ¶ Barbara Green Ian Bynoe Meriel Matthews Wendy Gregory Ben Clay ¶ Alan Rayfield Brian Roberts-Wray Sarah May Helen Griffiths Andrew Cruickshank Janice Merritt Shelley Gudgin Alexandra De David Rosser Robert Smallcombe Maureen Pickford Faith Guest Glanville Pamela Pye ¶ Elizabeth Hand Richard Garstang ¶ William Truscott Catherine Hay Martin Godfrey Kenneth Wade Margaret Raynes Patricia Rees-Jones Gilly Hayward Chris Hand † * Choral Scholar Frances Rowe Alison Heather Martin Lovell ¶ Committee Mary l’Anson Nigel Lloyd † Guest singer

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Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society Friends Mrs S Allen Mrs J Frith Mr & Mrs M Lovell Mr C Allinson Mrs C Fussell Mrs M Matthews Mrs A Baker Mr N Garden Mrs B S May Mr I Ball Mr & Mrs M Gelder Mrs N McGiveron Mrs M Barker Harland Mrs S J Gould Ms S Metters Mrs S Birbeck Mrs M A Grant Mr J M Morton Mr C Boddie Mr & Mrs Gunn Mrs J Oliver Mr R C Brown Mr N Hamilton QC Mr & Mrs G Parsons Mr M Cansdale Mrs S A Hare Mr & Mrs J Rattenbury Mrs M Carlisle Capt & Mrs P A C Harland Mr A Rayfield Ms F Chapman Mr M Hay Mrs M Rayfield Mr G Clarke Mr D Hiller Mr N Record Mr B Clay Mrs M S I’Anson Mr P Roberts Miss B J Connolly Mr C R Jenkins Mr D Rosser Mr D Corp Mrs J Johnson Mrs F Rowe Mr & Mrs C E F Cox Mrs E Jones Mr A Rowntree Mr C Crawfurd Mrs J Jubb Mrs M St Quintin Mrs S Crease Mrs A Karpinski Mrs M Sutton Dr & Mrs A Crossland Mr A Kaye Mrs P Tomlinson Mr A Cruikshank Mr J King Mrs C Townend Mrs J Davies Mr R Lander Dr & Mrs M A T Waters Mrs S Decamp Mr P Lemanski Mrs J Weston Mrs J Dovey Ms S Lennard Payne Mr D Williams Mrs Featherstone Mr N Lloyd Mrs C Winfield Mrs K Fielder Mrs E Winter The Society gives three concerts each year which include an annual performance of Handel’s Messiah in December. The other two concerts are normally in early November and late March. The main features of the Friends scheme are:  Priority booking of up to four prime Nave tickets for each concert  Name/s of Friends printed in concert programmes  Annual Newsletter  Invitation to a special Friends event each year  Annual subscription of £24 All of us in the Society thank you for continuing your support as a Friend of Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society and look forward to seeing you at our concerts. Contact our Friends Secretary, Nancy McGiveron: [email protected]

Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society Corporate Patrons

The Society is most grateful to its Corporate Patron, Chalmers HB, Chartered Accountants, of Chamberlain Street, Wells, for their support of the Society under our Corporate Patrons scheme.

Companies willing to join this scheme will be assured of a warm welcome. For further information, please contact Robin Duys at 01749 871105.

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Pilgrim Financial Planning Peace of mind throughout life’s journey

Pilgrim Financial Planning Limited, Thyer House, 31 Sadler Street, Wells, Somerset. BA5 2RR 01749 670087 www.pilgrimfp.co.uk

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