Our 150th Anniversary Season came to a thrilling close on 26 May with a critically acclaimed performance of Bach’s Mass in B minor at the Royal Festival Hall.
Few works are more closely intertwined with our past and present. Formed in 1876 to give the UK premiere of the Mass in B minor, we have returned to Bach’s masterpiece numerous times over the past 150 years. This anniversary concert was both a celebration of that legacy and a reminder of the enduring power of the work itself.
Conducted by David Hill and joined by Florilegium, Nardus Williams, Helen Charlston, Sam Furness and Neal Davies, the evening drew glowing praise from the critics in the house.
Nick Holmes highlighted the scale of the achievement…
Susan Elkin was equally enthusiastic, praising our “rich, coherent, incisive sound” and singling out the Sanctus as a standout moment…
The breadth of expression across the evening also drew admiration. Elkin described the sound as capturing the drama, intimacy and spiritual depth that make Bach’s final choral masterpiece so remarkable.
As the final notes rang out through the hall, the audience responded with a prolonged ovation. Holmes captured the mood perfectly…
Ending our anniversary season with the work that inspired our formation 150 years ago felt especially meaningful. This performance reaffirmed the special bond between our choir and Bach’s greatest masterpiece.
We’ve just announced our next concert, which is happening on Thursday 29 October. Find out more about Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor and book your tickets to experience it now!
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