The Apostles is one of Elgar’s most eloquent and beautiful works, with dramatic choral writing and a vivid and exciting orchestral score, and the Cathedral Chorus’ forthcoming performance looks set to bring all that drama and excitement to Lichfield Cathedral. From the haunting beauty of the dawn psalm to the terror felt by the disciples on the storm-tossed sea, the Apostles is filled with contrasts. The story of Jesus’ life through its impact on those closest to him, it is an intense, emotional journey through the lives of very ordinary men and women.
Perhaps less familiar than much of Elgar’s work, the Apostles is rarely performed outside the major cities, as it requires six soloists, choir and semi-chorus, organ and augmented orchestra. Indeed, this is the Cathedral Chorus’ first performance of the work in its more than 50 year history.
Conductor Ben Lamb, Lichfield Cathedral joint director of music, said “Everyone knows ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ or the ‘Dream of Gerontius’ and we are delighted to bring this moving and exciting work to Lichfield”
Chairman Eric Lunt added “This is a great opportunity for the Cathedral Chorus, and we also look forward very much to being accompanied by Cathy Lamb, Lichfield Cathedral joint director of music, on the organ, and the Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orchestra (DECO).”
DECO has developed a strong reputation for the quality of its players and its exciting performances.
Cathy directs the Girl Choristers, runs the Cathedral’s singing outreach project MusicShare and occasionally plays the organ for services and recitals
Inspired in his schooldays by the remark of a teacher, Francis Reeve “The Apostles were poor men, young men, at the time of their calling; perhaps before the descent of the Holy Ghost not cleverer than some of you here” Elgar completed the Apostles, part one of a projected trilogy, for its first performance in Birmingham in 1903. The second part, the Kingdom, was first performed in 1906, although the final part was never written. Elgar wrote the libretto himself, basing it on texts from the Bible. Seeming to identify particularly with Judas’ emotions, he gave some of the most intense parts of the work to this character. “No one could write for English as well as Elgar” – Adrian Partington, Director of Music, Gloucester Cathedral
The Apostles will be performed in Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday April 12th, 7.30pm. Tickets, priced from £7.50 to £17.50, are available now from Lichfield Garrick Box Office 01543 412121, www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Photograph © Lichfield Camera Club
