Concert- East Sussex Bach Choir

Haydn produced a number of elaborate extended masses for full orchestra to be performed in the Versailles-like Esterhazy Court, but in 1775 he was commissioned by a religious order of lay brothers to compose a much more restrained work, the Kleine Orgelmesse (Little Organ Mass), of modest length and only containing one extended solo, for concertante organ and soprano, to be played in their chapel in Eisenstadt. He followed his brief to the letter, and the resulting piece has been popular ever since. Musical director John Hancorn has chosen the piece to open this hour-long concert by the East Sussex Bach Choir, accompanied by Jane Mansbergh on organ, and soprano soloist Claudia Parkes, from Christ’s Hospital School. “St Anne’s Church is the oldest church in Lewes” says Hancorn, “and would be about the same size as the Eisenstadt Chapel, so it is the perfect setting for the concert”. “The choir is usually accompanied by an orchestra, so this will be a quieter affair than normal” he continues. “The Haydn piece will be followed by a few short items by contemporary composers Bob Chilcott and John Rutter, to provide a contrast, and a performance of Rutter’s summer favourite The Sprig of Thyme, a collection of folk songs arranged by the composer”.
The concert is in aid of a good cause, the Pestalozzi International Village Trust. This charity runs a school in Sedlescombe, just outside Hastings, which offers courses for gifted children from developing countries such as India, Indonesia, Nepal, Zambia and Zimbabwe. AG