Elgar Festival Chorus - Rehearsal 5 - Apr 26th

Thanks to all for your great work last week! I think we can safely say that things are coming together now.

As well as needing eyes up (as often as humanly possible) we also need the general dynamic from the choir to be bigger than the score of the Ireland says. This is because we are only 89 strong and it is imperative that you are heard above the orchestra. To that end I will restrain the orchestra as much as possible when the choir is singing so that there is an equal musical partnership.

The final cherry on top of the cake needs be fantastic and poignant clarity of text. The tempo of this piece never gets frantic and sustained notes with a clear consonant at the end are important. Please trust me to bring you off for these 🙏

I am very much looking forward to conducting the Ireland. I know it will be a huge success!!

See you next time.

Stephen