A BELOVED choral society is preparing for one of its most significant concerts yet.
Lexden Choral Society will perform Benedictus, the moving choral masterpiece by renowned composer Howard Blake, on Saturday 17th May at St Botolph’s Church, Colchester—with the composer himself attending.
Joining them will be Ipswich School Choir and St Mary’s School Vocals, as well as a full orchestra under the baton of conductor John Chillingworth.
In addition to the headline work, audiences can look forward to a selection of songs from the school choirs, a performance of The Dance of the Ice Princess, and of course, the timeless Walking in the Air from The Snowman, all with live orchestral accompaniment.
Howard Blake’s relationship with Lexden Choral stretches back to 2001, when they first performed Benedictus in his presence.
Over the years, their connection has grown stronger, with multiple collaborations on his compositions, including Stabat Mater and its later incarnation, The Passion of Mary.
Blake was so impressed by one of the Society’s tenor soloists that he invited him to record the work—leading to an enduring partnership and his acceptance of the role of Patron in 2011.
Sarah Blake who founded the society in 1992 said:
"I am very excited. I first did the Benedictus with him in 2001, and we have had a long standing association ever since. He has been our patron since 2011 and we have a magnificent conductor John. So this concert at St Botolphs is really exciting."
Tickets are available now at www.lexdenchoral.org or on the door.
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