Edington Priory Church will host the renowned choir of Magdalen College, Oxford for a concert of Advent music across the centuries on Saturday 10th December and tickets are selling fast.
This choir of men and boys is one of three choirs originally established by Statute at Oxford University in 1480, ensuring that there would always be a choir to sing services. Provision was made for the eight singing-men, four chaplains and sixteen choristers. More recently, an additional four singing men (Academical Clerks) and two Organ Scholars were added to the complement, and this tradition has been maintained to this day. They are now internationally recognised as a ‘five-star’ choir; they perform all over the world, have appeared at the BBC Proms, have done a number of orchestral collaborations including TV and film soundtracks, and have recorded a number of CDs.
Under the direction of the College’s Assistant Organist, Alex Berry, and accompanied by organ scholar William Fox, they will sing music composed for Advent across the centuries, from the 16th to the present day. Palestrina, Byrd, de Victoria, through JS and JCF Bach, Stanford, Vaughan Williams, Joubert, Biebl – some ancient music is given a modern twist, while some new music is in the ancient tradition. The choir’s vivid tone, artistic chemistry and authority promise an evening of rare beauty.
Tickets are already selling very fast and Edington Arts strongly encourage you to reserve yours as soon as possible. Prices in advance are £20, £15 and £10 with 18 and under coming free; if you buy on the night you will need to add £2 per ticket. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served in the interval. The concert starts at 7.30pm.
