Five East Kent choirs are joining forces under the umbrella name ‘Cantium Chorale’ to perform Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius on 13 April.
Cantores Dominicae, Dover Choral Society, Pharos Chamber Choir, Thanet Chamber Choir, and The Deal & Walmer Handelian Choral Society have been in discussions for over a year about collaborating to perform a major work – something that their individual resources alone could not support; Elgar’s grand oratorio which calls for a double chorus, a separate semi-chorus and an orchestra, was a universally popular choice.
The concert will be led by guest conductor David Flood, Organist and Master of the Choristers at Canterbury Cathedral from 1988–2020.
“The invitation to conduct such a fine group of East Kent choirs is very exciting” says Flood. “For this to be possible in such a thrilling and astonishing piece as The Dream of Gerontius makes it so very special. I am looking forward to it enormously since I know it will be a truly memorable and magnificent occasion.”
The three soloists, who all have Kent connections, are Tilly Green (Soprano), Greg Tassell (Tenor) and Ben Bevan (Baritone). The concert is on Saturday 13th April at Nye Hall, The Duke of York’s Military School, Dover CT15 5EQ. Tickets are £15 and can be obtained from The Deal & Walmer Handelian Choral Society, Dover Choral Society or on the door.