News and Performance Opportunities (updated 5 January 2010)

A performance of Havergal Brian’s vast Gothic symphony is being organised in Australia.  This will be the fifth performance of the work (written 1919-27), and its premiere outside the UK. The Gothic is scored for a huge orchestra (around 180 musicians) and what is modestly called a 'double chorus' (and four soloists, a children's chorus and four off stage brass and timpani bands).  In practice, the writing demands four adult symphony choruses

The Gothic is in two parts:  the first of which is for orchestra alone, the second is a setting of the Te Deum and runs an hour or so.  More details:  www.havergalbrian.org/sym1.htm. The performance is being mounted in Brisbane, Queensland, on 22 December 2010, John Curro conducting an orchestra of his alumni (www.qyo.org.au/conductors.htm).  The organisers would very much welcome the presence of one or more British choirs in the performance.  Depending on size, they would contribute to one or more of the four choruses. They have authorised me, as a committee member of the Havergal Brian Society, to conduct initial discussions with UK choirs who are interested in participating.

I appreciate the notice is relatively short but, if a British choir is able and willing to join the performance, I can assure them that it will be the choral concert of a lifetime! In the first instance, please contact Jeremy Marchant on 01 453 764 615 or mobile 07 970 269 170.  Or email jeremy@marchant.com.