Sounds from Heaven

Rescheduled from September, this concert begins in the 15th century in the Netherlands with the early Renaissance composer Ockeghem's settings of a Marian text, this concert brings the audience on a journey through time and around the world, exploring settings of Christian texts used in prayer and worship over the last 600 years. A setting of the Magnificat by Charles Theodore Pachelbel (Johann Pachelbel’s son), who emigrated to America, and the first American choral composer, William Billings’ adaptation of Psalm 148, sit alongside "Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe" (Glory to God in the highest), a psalm setting by the German composer Felix Mendelssohn. Contrasting versions of the texts “O Magnum Mysterium” (O great mystery) and “Drop, Drop Slow Tears” allow the audience to hear interpretations of the same text set in different places and different times by Poulenc, Busto, Gibbons and Walton. Weelkes setting of “When David Heard" is an emotionally charged and powerful lament. We also include New Zealand composers with Douglas Mews' ethereal "A Sound Came from Heaven", John Wells' joyous "Laudate Dominum", and Chris Adams' meditative "Adoramus te". Come hear eight stunning voices bring to life an assortment of beautiful choral music in the clear and light acoustic of All Soul's Church in Merivale, Christchurch.