Salford and Congleton Choral Societies will join forces for a performance of Elgar’s powerful and moving oratorio The Dream of Gerontius on 2nd April at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. This dramatic setting of Cardinal Newman’s poem follows the journey of Gerontius’ soul as he passes from life to death, guided and comforted by a protective angel, and despite subsequent masterworks, Elgar’s own words “This is the best of me” have remained the opinion of many.
This will be conductor Christopher Cromar’s first concert with Salford Choral Society since his appointment in January 2016. Although Christopher was born and initially educated in Scotland, he has a long association with Manchester where he now lives, having attended Chetham’s School of Music, been a member of staff at the Royal Northern College of Music and previously worked with Manchester Chamber Choir. Christopher has also been Music Director of Congleton Choral Society since 2011.
We will be joined by three outstanding soloists; Jessica Gillingwater (mezzo-soprano), Christopher Bowen (tenor) and Mark Rowlinson (bass), together with the Orchestra of the North, led by Andrew Orton.
Jessica is currently a holder of a foundation Scholarship at the Royal Northern College of Music and a recent finalist on the Frederic Cox competition. New Zealander Christopher Bowen is in demand as a tenor soloist with choral societies throughout the UK and he has sung passions and cantatas in the United Kingdom, Europe and further afield. Mark Rowlinson spent 20 years as a Music Producer for the BBC based in Manchester, while continuing his professional singing career, including singing at Sir Peter Maxwell Davies’ 60th birthday concert and the performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem given as the composer’s London memorial concert.
Listings Information
Elgar – The Dream of Gerontius
Saturday, 2 April 2016, 7.30pm
The Royal Northern College of Music, Oxford Road, M13 9RD
Jessica Gillingwater mezzo-soprano
Christopher Bowen tenor
Mark Rowlinson bass
The Orchestra of the North
Leader: Andrew Orton
Conductor Christopher Cromar
Tickets: £17.00 (Concessions £13.00)
RNCM Box Office: Tel: 0161 907 5555
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