Posts in the “exPOST” category refer to past events. They are meant as a reflection of the Society’s activities and undertakings.
On Sunday, 29 June, 2014 the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge (Director Graham Ross) and the European Union Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Lars Ulrik Mortensen, with Alex Potter, countertenor, gave an outstanding concert of music composed by Händel, Muffat, Howells and Croft in the Basilica at Echternach. The concert was entitled a Concert For Peace as it was held on the 100th anniversary of the assassination of Grand-Duke Franz Ferdinand and his wife in Sarajevo, which led directly to the start of the First World War.
Three works by Händel were performed: the Te Deum for the Peace of Utrecht (HWV 278), the Utrecht Jubilate, (HWV 279) and the Ode of Queen Anne “Eternal Source of Light Divine”. The Choir sang Herbert Howells’ beautiful and moving motet “Take him Earth for cherishing” (in memoriam J.F. Kennedy), and two shorter works, Muffat’s Passacaglia (Armonico Tributo no. 5) and Croft’s The Soul of Music is the Soul of Peace, completed the programme.
The Choir showed why it is considered one of the finest choirs in England. The ensemble singing was delightful, and the soloists sang beautifully. The Choir was more than ably supported the the EU Baroque Orchestra, which is the Orchestra-in-Residence at Echternach. A cultural initiative of the European Union, it brings together outstanding young musicians from all over Europe, and there was some splendid playing on baroque instruments.
The concert was re-broadcast on Icelandic Radio and can be heard here until 23 October 2014 .
