Press Release

O Magnum Mysterium

7.30pm, Saturday 13 December 2008 - St Martin's Church, Brasted

This year we have decided to put on a slightly different concert for the festive period.

We will be performing a recently written setting of the Christmas narrative O Magnum Mysterium, a Christmas Oratorio by Norwegian composer Kjell Mork Karlsen, which was performed in Norway last year.

The piece is about 1 hour in length, and will form the first half of the concert. After a short interval we will sing some carols (several with audience participation) and arrangements to finish off the evening on a light and jolly note. Wine and mince pies will follow!

The Oratorio is for Choir, organ and a narrator and combines polyphonic and chant-like pieces with organ solo music over which runs the narration. It is an atmospheric work with beautiful settings of the Ave Maria, O Magnum Mysterium and Nunc Dimittis texts; the dynamics often are very contrasting and each voice part splits at various sections to great effect.

We recognise that December is such a busy time of the year with lots of distractions. However, we do hope that you will be able to join us for what will be another very enjoyable evening. Thank you for your support.

Robin Walker
Music Director
December 2008