Vivaldi’s Gloria, a masterpiece of choral work, formed the centrepiece for this year Autumn Concert, held once again in the splendour of St Alfege Church.
The Gloria is a joyful hymn of praise and worship divided into twelve movements, ranging from festive brilliance to profound sadness brought together to form one of the most uplifting choral works. The work was performed by Colfe’s Junior and Senior Choirs alongside the Prendergast Vale School Choir and the Dockland Singers, accompanied by Colfe’s Senior Orchestra.
The performance was the final piece in a programme that spanned music from Baroque to the present day. The evening began with Bach’s dramatic organ piece Toccata in D minor, performed majestically by Justin (Y9), followed by Frank Bridge’s lively Miniatures: Valse Russe, Allegretto, performed by piano trio Maya (Y8), James (Y10) and Luyang (Y9).
Lora (Y13) gave a beautiful vocal solo of Cecil Gibbs’ evocative song The Cherry Tree. The Junior Choir presented a charming performance of contemporary composer Nico Muhly’s In Autumn, a tonal piece set to the words of Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem, before the evening culminated in the distinctive melodies and rhythms of Vivaldi’s Gloria.
Dan Gabriele, Head, said: “The Autumn Concert at St Alfege Church was a real pleasure. The baroque elegance of Hawksmoor’s architecture provided the perfect setting for the musicians and choirs of both our Junior and Senior Schools, who were joined by the choir of Prendergast Vale School. Vivaldi’s Gloria will live long in the memory of its rapt audience.”
