‘Tis Nature’s Voice
Under their founder and conductor George Parris, The Carice Singers, named after Elgar’s daughter, specialise in British choral music and have gained an enviable reputation for superb performances and imaginative programming. They have recorded for Naxos and the BBC Music Magazine, and are regular visitors to the Cheltenham and Oxford Lieder Festivals.
Focusing on Spring, ‘Tis Nature’s Realm explores this rich repertory of music, with pieces from English composers such as Ireland, Howells and Elgar, along with some European rarities by Sibelius, Reger and Arvo Pärt. The concert ends with a striking piece by Ross Edwards, where psalm texts are combined with vigorous bird chants from his native Australia.
Sponsored by Mr and Mrs Patrick Hungerford & Mr and Mrs Toby Ward
Conductor / Performers
The Carice Singers
George Parris conductor
Programme
Herbert Howells The summer is coming
Edward Elgar The Shower
Edward Elgar The Fountain
Jean Sibelius Sydämeni laulu (Song of my heart)
Leevi Madetoja Kevätunta (Dreams of Spring)
John Ireland Spring, the sweet Spring
Rued Langgaard Lokkende Toner (Enticing tones)
Edward Elgar Owls: An Epitaph
Edward Elgar O Wild West wind
— Interval —
Frederick Delius On Craig Ddu (An impression of nature)
Max Reger Schweigen (Silence)
Ralph Vaughan Williams Silence and music
Arvo Pärt The Deer’s Cry
Ross Edwards Sacred Kingfisher Psalms
Of the newer British choirs currently emerging, few can match The Carice Singers for musicality and beauty of tone
Gramophone Magazine, 2016