Chansons & Chorales

Join St Albans Choral Society in our 300th concert, as we explore some of the finest music from both sides of the channel. 

From the ecstasy and power of Vaughan-Williams’ Five Mystical Songs to the mystery and majesty of Lili Boulanger’s Hymne au Soleil, this concert includes some of the most stirring music from both England and France. We are also incredibly excited to be performing the glowing Ave Maris Stella by the choir’s Composer-in-Association, Cecilia McDowall, almost 25 years to the day since its premiere. It is also 25 years since Cecilia and the choir began their relationship, and the composer herself celebrates her 75th birthday this year - so plenty to celebrate! We will be joined by the strings of Orchestra Nova and excellent soloists Sam Poppleton and Anna Grieve.

Lili Boulanger                         Hymne au Soleil
                                                   Pie Jesu (solo)
Gabriel Fauré                          Cantique de Jean Racine
Gustav Holst                           Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
                                                   St. Paul’s Suite
                                                   Turn Back o Man
                                                   A Festival Chime
Cecilia McDowall                  Ave Maris Stella
Ralph Vaughan-Williams    Five Mystical Songs

The concert will finish at approximately 9:15pm, and will include an interval where refreshments will be served.