Piano takes centre stage at Festival Chorus concert

King’s Lynn Festival Chorus, winners of Classic FM’s Christmas Carol Competition last December, present a concert tomorrow (Saturday, February 9) in Lynn’s St Nicholas’ Chapel at 7pm (please note the time).

Two works, one very Austrian in style, Brahms’ Liebesliederwaltzer (love songs in waltz time) contrasts with the theatrical style of Rossini in his Petite Messe Solennelle.

Both works were written within five years of each other, with both having the modern grand piano at the central core of the work.

The Brahms Liebesliederwaltzer are performed by the four soloists for the evening – Angela Brun, Freya Jacklin, Ben Thapa and Jolyon Loy, all prize winners in their own field of performance.

They are also the soloists in the Rossini Messe Solennelle with the Festival Chorus, conducted by music director Tom Appleton.

A spokesman for the Chorus said: “It’s an evening to celebrate the development of the piano as a result of the Industrial Revolution to what it is today.

“There will be not one, but two matching, gleaming Steinway concert grand pianos put through their paces by assistant music director Ben Horden and Nick Tudor. And an unusual specified inclusion of a harmonium for the Rossini played by Matthew Searles.

“Although the Messe Solennelle is solemn in its concept, one can’t help but hear Rossini’s complete mastery of music theatre with his signature touches bubbling up here and there.”

Tickets cost £20 (free for under-12s) and are available from the Alive Corn Exchange (call 01553 764864) or on the door.

Further details can be found on the Festival Chorus’ website www.kingslynnfestivalchorus.co.uk