For the first concert of its new season, Portsmouth Choral Union will be joining forces with The Renaissance Choir to perform Rachmaninov’s sumptuous “Vespers”.
Full price £15 | Children + Students £2.
Rachmaninov: Vespers
Conductor - Peter Gambie
The work comprises a glorious tapestry of wide-ranging vocal textures including soaring sopranos and subterranean basses, and rich harmonies supporting wonderful melodies based on Eastern European Orthodox traditions.
Rachmaninov’s sacred choral masterpiece is rightly regarded by many musicians as being the finest example of Russian sacred music. It was written in 1915 against a backdrop of political uncertainty in his homeland as the Bolshevik revolution was in its infancy and when World War 1 was at its most destructive. It contains an astonishing serenity, tranquillity and peacefulness.
The work is the setting for the important rite of the Orthodox Church, the office of Vespers, the sunset evening prayer service (also known as Evensong). It is hugely loved by singers: it uses a joyful arrangement of Slavonic vowels and clusters of consonants that convey the meaning of the words. It is challenging to sing, especially as it is written in the Church Slavonic language.
As a group, we read and discuss the forthcoming Sunday Bible readings, making connections between scripture, faith and life.
We are thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for the much-anticipated Grand Georgian Christmas concert, presented by Gabrieli and ROAR.
Experience the beauty of Advent in an atmospheric service as Portsmouth Cathedral moves from darkness to light, symbolising the world’s journey from despair to hope.
We invite you to put aside material preparations for Christmas and explore in different ways, poems relevant to our theme.
Join us for the candlelit service of Compline, a time for quiet reflection at the end of the day.
As a group, we read and discuss the forthcoming Sunday Bible readings, making connections between scripture, faith and life.
Join us for a special Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral talk with author and musician Andrew Gant as he discusses his latest book, Deck the Hall.
Come and sing traditional Christmas carols with family and friends outside the Cathedral, joyfully accompanied by the festive sounds of the PGS Brass Band, filling the air with warmth and Christmas cheer.
Catch up with friends and meet new people, as our fantastic volunteers serve up a hot meal, pudding, and hot drink after.