A striking image from a carving in St John’s Church is being used to publicise Frome Voices’ annual concert at the Cheese and Grain, on Sunday 31st March at 7.30pm.
The performance will comprise a selection of twentieth century British music, including works by John Rutter – the magnificent ‘Gloria’ – as well as Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Tippett. The main piece will be the beautiful and dramatic ‘Stabat Mater’ by Sir Karl Jenkins, never before performed in Frome. The title refers to the lament of Mary, mother of Jesus, standing at the Cross, a theme perfectly reflected in the stone carving from St John’s.
The carving was by Scottish sculptor, James Forsyth, in the mid 19th century. Sol Warsop, an ex-Frome College student, took the photograph and used it as the basis for the choir’s eye-catching poster. Continuing the Scottish connection, Sol is now studying at St Andrew’s University.
Frome Voices is the biggest choir in the area and has established a reputation for its high standard and for its imaginative musical programme. The concert will involve a choir of over 100 singers, as well as professional soloists, orchestra and brass ensemble.
“The concert is taking place on Mothering Sunday, so the subject of ‘Stabat Mater’ seems particularly appropriate” said Frome Voices choir Director, Alan Burgess. “Some of our singers recently performed music by Karl Jenkins in the Carnegie Hall in New York. A memorable event, and we are convinced that the audience in Frome will also be thrilled by the composer’s interpretation of the theme, which is sung in English, Latin, Arabic and Aramaic.
“We will also be singing Michael Tippett’s much-loved ‘Five Spirituals’ as well as the rousing ‘Gloria’ by John Rutter. It promises to be an exciting evening and we are looking forward to seeing a full house at the Cheese and Grain.”
Tickets are available from the Cheese and Grain.
