Composer, Stephen Godward dropped in to the Keyworth Choir rehearsal on Monday evening, just six days ahead of the World Premiere of his Requiem for Soprano solo and Chorus. He and choir conductor Colin Russell went through the core together making last minute notes before Colin took the choir through its paces.
Stephen is on the left ion the photo.
There will be a very special cultural event happening on Saturday, March 16th 2013. In our Easter Concert, Keyworth Choir is very proud to be giving the World Premiere of Stephen Godward’s Requiem. The concert will take place in Keyworth Methodist Church at 7.30pm and the programme also includes Mozart’s youthful and tuneful ‘Coronation Mass’, Pergolesi’s exciting ‘Magnificat’ and Handel’s beautiful Coronation Anthem ‘My Heart is Inditing’.
Stephen Godward is well known to our audiences, as he has sung bass solo in the sacred works performed by the choir over many years. He studied at the Guildhall School of Music and sings regularly all over the country with the New London Savoyards as well as with professional singing groups Bella Voce and 4Tune. In 1998, 1999 and 2010, he won ‘Best Male Performer’ at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Buxton and he is Chorus Director of Derby Gilbert and Sullivan Company, Trent Opera and Nottingham Festival Opera. His compositions include ‘This Little Babe’, a collection of carols which we performed at our Christmas concert in December.
The Requiem is a work of about 25 minutes in 9 movements, mixing traditional Latin text (e.g. ‘Requiem Aeternam’, ‘Dies Irae’, ‘Pie Jesu’ and ‘In Paradisum’) with texts in English such as ‘Jesu, lover of my soul’, ‘Consider not how he died’ and ‘Do not stand at my grave and weep’. It is written for Soprano solo (to be sung by Sarah Simmonds) and choir with piano accompaniment and is a blend of contemplative, dramatic and beautiful music.
A musical World Premiere in Keyworth is not to be missed, so put the date in your diary and come along to experience something unique and special! Tickets will be available at £8 each on the door, from Keyworth Library, choir members, or phone 0115 9147088.
Keyworth Choir 