Granta Chorale

Bach’s 20-minute masterpiece Jesu, meine Freude features amid a host of other pieces from different eras. There are lively renaissance rhythms in Byrd’s Laudibus in Sanctis, pure Italian opera style in Verdi’s heartfelt homage to the Virgin Mary for women’s voices, and rich French 20th century harmonies in well-loved motets by Duruflé and Poulenc. These are all true choral classics, often heard on radio, but Granta Chorale also embraces newer repertoire in a sprinkling of pieces by current day composers.

Two popular pieces from James MacMillan’s Strathclyde Motets are O Radiant Dawn and Data Est Mihi Potestas. With roots closer to Saffron Walden, there’s Factus Est Repente (Suddenly there came a sound from heaven) from composer and choir member Sarah Cattley, while a new work from the choir’s conductor Janet Wheeler By Thee I will Abide briefly parallels some of the themes of Bach’s Jesu, meine Freude, ending with a soothing lullaby.

This concert will finish at approximately 4.45pm