Brahms’ A German Requiem
Building on the recent successes of the Festival Chorus they’re delighted to be presenting them for this special performance of Brahms‘ A German Requiem.
This so-called “London” version of the Requiem was originally created in 1869 by the composer as a four-hand piano version of the complete work, incorporating voice and orchestra parts together for keyboard performance.
It was not, therefore, simply a setting of the choral work with piano reduction of the orchestral parts, and will provide a powerful showcase for their excellent chorus.
For tonight’s performance under the baton of Tom Primrose, their own Festival Chorus will be joined by two remarkable young soloists.
Hilary Cronin is already a Festival favourite and is without doubt one of the leading sopranos of her generation. James Atkinson is a BBC New Generation Artist (2023-2025) and winner of the 2022 Royal Over-Seas League Singers Prize.
Performers
Newbury Spring Festival Chorus
Hilary Cronin soprano
James Atkinson baritone
Libby Burgess piano
Sebastian Wybrew piano
Tom Primrose conductor
Programme
Brahms A German Requiem
Sponsored by
Mr & Mrs John Skinner
Mr & Mrs Mark Edwards
The Newbury Spring Festival
Newbury Spring Festival is one of the most popular and successful music festivals in the South of England.
Over the last years the Festival has grown hugely in size and quality building up a reputation of international status.
The very best young musical stars appear alongside some of the world’s most distinguished and famous names.
Newbury Spring Festival is a glorious fortnight of world class music in Newbury and its beautiful neighbouring villages, with up to 45 events in 18 venues, and where international symphony orchestras, ensembles and soloists rub shoulders with jazz legends, world music artists and the stars of tomorrow.
The Festival was founded in 1979 to provide the opportunity to promote culture in the region by creating an annual festival accessible to all.
It aims to bring excellent, new and innovative work from around the world to a variety of local venues adding to the economic and cultural wellbeing of the area, and to continue to create opportunities for young people, existing and new audiences to enjoy the arts.
Newbury Spring Festival is funded entirely by private donation, charitable giving and corporate sponsorship and enjoys its reputation as one of the most important cultural events in the region, attracting audiences of several thousand each year from the immediate area and beyond.
Over the past few years, highlights have included the Soweto Gospel Choir at Douai Abbey which has become one of the Festival’s major venues and established a tradition of world class choirs.
Also in 2006, the Victoria Mullova Ensemble performed an unforgettable concert at Englefield House.
In 2008 John Williams and Emanuel Ax both performed in the Corn Exchange, developing a pattern of an International Celebrity Recital Series in this venue.
In 2004 the Tibetan Monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastry took part in an exciting week long Festival residency.
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