Take This Gift!
On Saturday 22nd November, Vox Anima Chamber Choir offered a gift of a programme to a thrilled audience at St Luke’s Church in Tunbridge Wells, directed by James Meaders, accompanied by Richard Hammond-Hall, and joined by Julie Peat on the cello. The Choir sang a varied programme - from uplifting pieces celebrating the gift of music as it brings joy, life and hope, to poignant and reflective pieces, finding solace in times of pain and grief.
The concert opened with a procession of the Chamber Choir singing Tracy Wong’s Take this Gift as they took their place in front of the audience. Julie Peat joined them for a beautiful performance of Silver Rain by B.E. Boykin, adding a depth of emotion to this moving piece about new life and hope.
A sensitive performance of The Lake Isle of Innisfree by Eleanor Daley was particularly praised by members of the audience, as were the premiere performance of Loving Soul, written by David W. Brewer, who received an honourable mention in our Emerging Composers call for scores in 2024, and Being Me by Joanna Gill.
Cellist Julie Peat then played Sarabande in C Major from J. S. Bach’s Cello Suite No. 3 BWV 1009, providing a beautiful moment of reflection before soloists Laura Fowler (soprano) and Hannah Pinney-Thomson (mezzo-soprano) performed Domine Deus and Laudamus Te from Vivaldi’s Gloria.
“The choir sings as one voice!”
“I wished the concert wasn’t over - I could listen to it all over again!”
Closing with a reprise of Take this Gift, the Chamber Choir enthusiastically brought the concert to an end - much to the disappointment of some! An encore of Meet Cute by the Choir’s patron, Cecilia McDowall was welcomed by all!
Congratulations to all members of Vox Anima Chamber Choir for presenting another wonderful performance, and huge thanks to Richard Hammond-Hall for his unfailing support and gifted accompaniment, James Meaders for his inspiring direction, Julie Peat for her beautiful playing, and all at St Luke’s Church for their warm and friendly welcome and support.
