Climax to concerts (From Penarth Times)

Climax to concerts

THE 2001 concert series at St Augustine's Church, Penarth, reaches a stunning conclusion on Saturday, December 1, at 7.30pm with a performance of J S Bach's magnificent Mass in B minor, regarded by many as the greatest choral work ever written.

The chamber choir Cantemus will be accompanied by the St Augustine's Chamber Orchestra, directed by Robert Court.

The orchestra, now a regular feature in the St Augustine's concert diary, is made up of professional players from all over Britain. Cantemus continues to go from strength to strength, this year featuring on the Radio 3 programme In Tune and appearing in concert with acclaimed opera stars Dennis O'Neill and Suzanne Murphy.

Well-known Cardiff-based soloists Iona Jones and Vanessa Thomas will be joined by counter-tenor Stephen Shellard (senior lay-clerk at Worcester Cathedral), tenor Malcolm Bennett (a regular member of the Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Collegium Vocale, and The Sixteen) and bass Stephen Alder, who sings frequently with the BBC singers, and the choir of Westminster Cathedral.

Conductor Robert Court said: "This is a rare opportunity to hear this sublime piece performed live at a professional level. It exploits the full range of Bach's musical resources and will sound wonderful in St Augustine's acoustic."

Those of you who have attended previous Bach concerts at St Augustine's will know that this is not one to be missed!

Tickets cost £10 (concs £8) . Although some will be available at the door you are advised to ring 029 2061 9436 to purchase tickets in advance.