The Rotherham Choral Society’s first concert of 2020 will take place on Saturday 28th March at 7.30pm at St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, Herringthorpe. The programme will include ‘Olivet to Calvary’ by John Maunder and ‘Magnificat’ by Bach. Soloists are Fae Evelyn (soprano), Angela Hartley (alto), Chris Why (tenor) and Tom Asher (bass). The organist is Jonathan Gooing and the musical director is Rachel Copley. Tickets are priced at £10.00 (£9.00 and £2.00 concessions).
John Maunder (1858 to 1920) studied at the Royal Academy in London and was organist at many churches in London. He originally wrote operettas but later devoted himself to sacred works, one of which is ‘Olivet to Calvary’ which has retained its popularity.
Bach (1658 to 1750) is a German composer who came from an extensive musical family. He wrote ‘Magnificat’ in 1723 and introduced it to an audience in Leipzig. He was reported to be difficult to work with and criticised the quality of the choral singing.