LONDON - 2 February 2007 - 390 words
Schola
choir at London Oratory
The London Oratory School Schola is to perform two great Masses
Joseph Haydn's classical Mass in Time of War and
Karl Jenkins contemporary The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace
in the setting of The London Oratory next Friday (9 February)
at 7.30pm.
Composed 200 years apart, these wonderful works demonstrate contrasting musical and philosophical approaches to the theme of war and differing styles in the treatment of the sung Mass. The concert will provide a rare opportunity to hear them sung with boys' voices, in a unique venue and will mark the launch of The London Oratory School Schola Foundation.
Schola Director Lee Ward said: "I think that these works are immensely appealing to enthusiasts of choral music, admirers of Haydn and Karl Jenkins in particular, and to anyone with a broader interest in music. The messages contained in the works are particularly relevant in these troubled times and as Britain is beginning a debate on the extent of its involvement in future conflicts."
Despite a renewed interest in choral music, the Schola, like other leading choirs is facing financial uncertainty. This charitable Foundation has therefore been established to raise funds to support the Schola's current activities and to help secure its long-term future. In particular the monies raised will be used to commission new works and to record classical pieces, originally written for boys' voices but which can no longer be heard as the composers intended.
The Schola is one of the country's leading liturgical and commercial choirs. It gives frequent concerts, tours regularly and records, both in its own right and for television and film. Its soundtrack work includes the double platinum award-winning soundtracks of the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Ward said: "The Schola has achieved a tremendous amount since it was founded 10 years ago. My aim is to build on these achievements and for the Schola to make a real contribution to the development of choral music in the 21st century. This concert will be a fantastic first step."
The London Oratory School Schola Foundation Concert will take place at 7.30 pm on Friday 9th February at The London Oratory Church, Brompton Road, London SW7 2RP. Tickets cost £10 and £7.50 and are available on the door or from the box office, tel: 020 7381 7684
© Independent Catholic
News 2007
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