Press Release

Britten & Bach

Concert - St Mary's Church, Platt on 20 November 2004

Two days before what would have been Britten's birthday, the Cantate Choir invite you to a celebration of Britten & Bach.

The concert will begin with Britten's Festival Te Deum, a strong and moving religious testimony. The Choir will also sing three olde English lyrics from a collection known as Sacred & Profane which Britten set to atmospheric and stimulating music together with the festival cantata, Rejoice in the Lamb.

From Bach you can expect the tranquil O Jesu Christ, meins Leben Licht together with the well known rolling melody of Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring. The concert will end with the sparkling and vibrant motet, Jesu Meine Freude whose individual vocal lines each possess their own particular magic yet interweave to produce a quite heavenly sound.

The talented organist, Iestyn Evans from Etheldreda's Church, London will accompany the Choir throughout.

Although two centuries apart and driven by very different motives, the music of Britten & Bach has a common characteristic: attention to musical detail. Be it a cappella or accompanied, sacred or secular, the music weaves an intensive and enthralling web of harmony which draws in the listener and holds them spellbound.

`Britten & Bach', 20 November 2004, St Mary's Platt Church, near Sevenoaks 7.30pm, £9 (to include interval refreshments). Available from the Cantate Box Office (01892 545799) or Sevenoaks Bookshop; www.cantate-choir.info