Herts Chorus on tour presents Smith, Bernstein and Rutter at Bath Abbey

Herts Chorus on tour presents Smith, Bernstein and Rutter at Bath Abbey

Herts Chorus on tour presents Smith, Bernstein and Rutter at Bath Abbey

Tickets available

Please note: Info provided by the Event Organiser

About the show

Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms provides an electrifying mix of Broadway energy and traditional sacred music. Commissioned for Chichester Cathedral in 1965, Bernstein’s setting of Hebrew psalms pulses with the same rhythmic vitality that made West Side Story a global phenomenon.


Prepare to be swept away by the triumphant radiance of John Rutter’s well-loved Gloria (1974) offering three movements of unabashed joy. From its blazing brass fanfares to its tender central ‘Domine Deus’, this is Rutter at his most melodic and exuberant.


Judge Smith’s Requiem Mass is an utterly distinctive work that fuses progressive rock with symphonic choral music. It was given its first concert performance last year in London by Hertfordshire Chorus to rave reviews, over 50 years after its composition. Originally conceived in 1973 by legendary progressive rock band Van der Graaf Generator’s co-founder, this 30- minute work features solo vocalist, full choir, eight-piece brass section, percussion, and rock band, to create a soaring, moving, and thrilling experience.


Programme


Judge Smith - Requiem Mass


Bernstein - Chichester Psalms


John Rutter - Gloria


Performers


Alastair Brookshaw tenor


Maurice Marten treble


Rufus Frowde organ


Matt Turner percussion


Ruth Faber harp


Rock band plus percussion


Bath Philharmonia Brass Ensemble


Hertfordshire Chorus


David Temple conductor

Featuring

Hertfordshire Chorus

Hertfordshire Chorus appearing at this event

Hertfordshire Chorus, directed by David Temple, is one of the finest large choirs in the country, with 130 members of all ages from across Hertfordshire, surrounding counties and London.

It makes regular appearances at the Barbican and The Sage, Gateshead, and has sung in the Royal Festival Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and regularly in St Albans Cathedral.

See Hertfordshire Chorus tour dates

Bath Philharmonia

Virtuosic and innovative orchestra formed in 2002 with a mission to serve the community in Bath

and North East Somerset. The ensemble has, in fact, been credited with considerable artistic recognition both locally and internationally.

Annually, the orchestra gives 25 to 30 performances, with a roster of international soloists at a range of prestigious venues. Bath Phil's artistic team is led by Music Director Jason Thornton with Principal Guest Conductor Peter Donohoe CBE and Associate Conductor Gavin Carr.

See Bath Philharmonia tour dates

David Temple

Conductor; co-founder of Crouch End Festival Chorus

See David Temple tour dates

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on Saturday 13 June 2026