MUSIC is about to work its magic once more in Crickhowell as the early Bank Holiday Festival gets under way. This year’s overriding theme is Music’s Power and celebrates the inspiration of two of its legendary champions, Orpheus and St Cecilia.
A star-studded line-up of soloists performing alongside Crickhowell Choral Society will set out to demonstrate that, as Dryden claimed, music is “the greatest good that mortals know and all of heaven we have below”. Amongst the singers, there will be a much anticipated return of acclaimed tenor, Nicholas Mulroy, featured in last year’s proms on TV, and a warm welcome for up and coming Welsh soprano Jessica Cale.
There are extraordinary musical riches on offer from effervescent Vivaldi to Handel’s powerful oratorio, Alexander’s Feast, a work as popular in its day as Messiah.
A special feature of the concert on Saturday, May 5 will be the “birth of opera,” the fascinating music devised c1600 by Florentine composers Peri and Caccini telling of Orpheus’ music that charmed the gods! “There is so much wonderful music out there waiting to be discovered”, explains Festival director, Steve Marshall, “and we’ve chosen some of the most inspiring in which the composers seem determined to prove just what they can do. “The early opera and Handel oratorio will be a real revelation to many!”
In another Festival first, this year’s Bank Holiday Monday recital (St. Catwg’s Church, Llangattock, 3pm) sees the Society’s talented choral scholars performing alongside the professionals. This exciting arts lottery funded venture will be the product of an all-day workshop run in collaboration with Crickhowell High School.
“We have been overwhelmed by the success of our young scholars’ scheme” says Crickhowell Choral Society’s chair Jayne Treasure “and wanted to provide a platform for their talented performances, which are simply breathtaking”.
Their concert focuses on the music of Venice and its “divine Monteverdi” and includes some of his daring songs and close-harmony madrigals which many consider to be amongst music’s finest moments. Comic songs heard at the Venetian Carnival are sure to add some extra spice.
“We are so looking forward to all this”, says Steve, “much work has gone into creating our enticing programme which begins with Welsh clog dancing to the music of folk group ‘Morfa’ on our opening night” (0ld Rectory Hotel, Llangattock, Thursday, May 4, 7.30pm). “Music certainly can inspire us to great things!”
Tickets from Webbs, Crickhowell or visit www.crickhowellchoralsociety.org.