Alton-based choir Luminosa is delighted to be performing Rachmaninov’s All-Night Vigil, along with Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna and Michael Higgins’ O Salutaris Hostia, at All Saints Church in Odiham on March 25 at 7pm.
The All-Night Vigil is arguably Rachmaninov’s finest achievement and a powerful work that showcases the beauty and depth of music specifically composed for public worship.
Luminosa raised £1,700 for the Ukraine appeal in 2022 and the All-Night Vigil has been chosen particularly to pay homage to Ukraine and its rich musical heritage.
Although born a Russian, Rachmaninov spent much time in Ukraine and winds Ukrainian musical chants richly into the weave of his work. He left Russia for the USA when his views diverged from those of his oppressive home country and affiliated himself with the people of the world, especially Ukrainians.
His allegiance to Ukraine in the piece is therefore a political statement as well as a work of exquisite harmonies, full of light and shade: a radiant, deeply moving masterpiece.
The concert will also feature Luminosa Chamber Voices, who will perform Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna. A contemporary composition, this beautiful work explores music’s power to preserve and remember, and the depth of human capacity to love. Lauridsen’s luminous shifting harmonies perfectly express a timeless sense of serenity.
Luminosa is honoured to be accompanied by award-winning and frequently commissioned composer and performer Michael Higgins, and will be performing his intensely felt O Salutaris Hostia – an arrangement of Elgar’s Nimrod – which he composed during the Covid lockdown.
On February 8 Michael was made associate of the Royal Academy of Music.
Conducted by artistic director Rebekah Abbott, this exceptional music will be performed by candlelight with the textual variety and sustained luxuriance of sound for which Luminosa is now well known.
In addition to providing an evening of outstanding music, the concert will also raise money for The Fountain Centre, a charity that provides support for cancer patients and their families within St Luke’s Cancer Centre at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford.
If you love choral music and appreciate compositions that lift you from the mundane, you should not miss this concert.
Generous support from Luminosa’s sponsor Hattingley Valley Wines allows tickets to be available at £15 (under-12s £5) on Ticketsource at www.luminosamusic.com