Southampton Philharmonic Choir / Southampton University Phil / New London Sinfonia Sarah Jane Davies (soprano); Catherine King (mezzo-soprano) Philip Salmon (tenor); Nicholas Warden (bass-baritone) Martin Smith and Gillian Findlay (violin) Conductor David Gibson Handel - The Four Coronation Anthems: Let thy hand be strengthened; My heart is inditing; The King Shall Rejoice; Zadok the Priest Bach - Double Violin Concerto and Magnificat in E flat Southampton Guildhall, 7.30 pm, 14 March 2009 A blaze of trumpets, timpani and choral sound characterises our spring concert of grand and festive music from the two greatest composers of the Baroque, in this, the 250th anniversary year of Handel’s death in 1759. Handel composed his four Coronation Anthems for the coronation of George II and Queen Caroline in 1727, the year he became a British citizen. Handel used simple, direct music and large forces to fill Westminster Abbey with sound, befitting the pomp and grandeur of the occasion. The choir of 47 and orchestra of possibly 160 was large even by modern standards (we will have a much bigger choir and somewhat smaller orchestra!). The first anthem, Zadok the Priest has been played at every coronation service since. Bach’s joyous Magnificat in E flat was first performed on Christmas Day 1723, his first Christmas in Leipzig. Bach later revised the work, producing the more commonly performed, shorter version in D. The Magnificat is richly scored for what was, at the time, a large orchestra. Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor (the Double Violin Concerto) will provide contrast to the vocal works. The concerto, with its beautiful central section, is one of Bach’s best-loved works. This will be Southampton Philharmonic Choir’s first performance of three of the Coronation Anthems, and our first Bach Magnificat in thirty years. Southampton Philharmonic Choir and the students of Southampton University Phil will be joined by the New London Sinfonia, a brilliant professional symphony orchestra that regularly performs with us. The conductor will be our musical director David Gibson. Venue and Tickets Southampton Guildhall is in the Civic Centre, in the centre of Southampton. There are several car parks nearby, in Grosvenor Square, West Park Road and at the Civic Centre. Southampton Central railway station is only about a 10-minute walk away. Many bus routes pass the venue. Visit the Guildhall web site for full travel details and a map. Accessibility: Some areas have wheelchair access. Some seats have an installed Loop System for “T” controlled hearing aids. Guide dogs are welcome. Please inform the Guildhall staff of your requirements when booking. On the night of the concert, the Guildhall opens at 6.30pm. The bar will be open from 6.30pm and during the interval, serving alcohol, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Booking: It is advisable to buy tickets in advance from the Guildhall Box Office in the Civic Centre NorthGuild, online or from a choir member. Tickets can also be bought on the door from 6.30pm on the night of the concert. Telephone: 023 8063 2601 Group concessions: 023 8083 3612 (Booking fees may apply on phone and Internet orders.) Ticket prices: £8.00, £13.00, £15.00, £18.00 Concessions: Over 60s - £1 discount. “Kids for a Quid” scheme for children aged 12 and under. Students, older children, job seekers and disabled - £5.00, £6.50, £7.50 and £9.00 (Carers accompanying wheelchair users - free). Group Concession - buy 10, get 11th ticket free.