Pangbourne Choral Society presents Music Across the World at the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel, next Saturday.
Music from every continent… from Iceland to New Zealand, from Japan to Brazil, 20 works sung in 10 languages!
Sara Benbow in full flow
The PCS Summer Concert usually strikes a more informal tone and always seeks to bring new music to its audience.
This July Concert at the chapel at Pangbourne College (on July 11, 7pm) is no exception. The programme offers a range of music from Iceland to New Zealand, from Japan to Brazil, not to mention Ireland, Antarctica, Australia, North America, and Africa (Swahili and Xhosa!), Wales, Scotland, England. Every continent, 10 languages!
A variety of songs to take us around the world, glimpsing diverse national musical cultures, without physically travelling. Some of the songs are very familiar to all, and others will be new but no less accessible, exciting, and charming.
The full programme of up to 20 works in 10 languages may be viewed on the PCS website: www.pangbournechoral.org.uk
PCS music director Sara Benbow says: ‘When I was researching programme ideas, I was thrilled to find so much to choose from – all striking a common theme: the unifying power of music.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from, it is music that rises above all divisions and unrest to remind us that we all have common instincts and hope for a more peaceful world.
“Very often this is reflected in song. It also poses a great choral challenge for this hugely capable choir, which always rises to the occasion.’
PCS Chairman Brian Hoskins added: ‘Sara is right to point to the unifying potential of music.
“The challenges of such an intensive and varied programme are unlike anything we have faced, and it is just terrific to present these works.
“We’re thrilled to be singing in so many languages and, amazingly, we are very confident in our work and enjoying the new opportunities to communicate something that few people ever have a chance to experience.
‘And, knowing Sara Benbow, the audience will have opportunities to join this festival of song!’
Tickets, which are priced at £15 (£5 for under 18), are available online from PCS website; also from Garlands Organic & Natural, Pangbourne, and PCS members, and on the door.
The programme includes:
How can I keep from Singing? North America, Robert Lowry (1860)
Siyahamba Southern Africa (Swahili), Trad. arr. Ruth Morris Gray
Sakura Japanese, Trad. arr. S Benbow
America the ….USA various, arr. S Benbow
Danny Boy Ireland, Trad. arr Bob Chilcott
A Sprengisandi Icelandic, Trad. arr S Benbow
Shackleton”s Cross (piano solo) from Antarctica, Howard Goodall
Begin the Beguine, Martinique and Guadeloupe, Cole Porter, arr Gwyn Arch
Counting the goats Wales, Trad. arr Caradog Roberts
Waltzing Matilda, Australia, Marie Cowan arr Thomas Wood
Girl from Ipanema, Brazil, Antonio Carlos Jobim & Vinicius de Moraes, arr Gwyn Arch
Pokarekare Ana,Ne w Zealand (Maori), Trad. arr Craig McLeish
Rasa Sayang Hey, Malaysia/Indonesia/Brunei (Malay), Trad. arr S Benbow
Scarborough Fair England, Trad. arr Keely Hodgson
Bambelela, Southern Africa (Xhosa), Trad. arr Ruth Morris Gray
Shenandoah, North America, Trad. arr Bob Chilcott
El Vito (Small Choir),Spain, Trad. arr Emily Crocker
Wild Mountain Thyme, Scotland, Trad. arr Andrew Parr
Light Rises, The World in music. Tori Benbow
Calon Lân, From Wales to Patagonia – Let your hearts sing ! Daniel James & John Hughes