The concert, which will take place in the stunning surroundings of Hull Minster on Thursday 5th December will involve young singers from 11 local choirs including Skegness Grammar School, Highlands, Thoresby Primary School, Wold Academy, Ainthorpe Primary, Maybury Primary School Choir and St George's Primary School Choir.
Led by Artistic Director Paul McCreesh, ‘A Grand Georgian Christmas’ is Gabrieli’s most ambitious tour to date, involving around 5,000 late-primary and secondary school students as part of Gabrieli Roar.
Gabrieli Roar is a partnership between Gabrieli and a network of school, church and youth choirs from all over the UK. The young singers are trained to perform side-by-side with professional musicians, enabling them to discover the brilliance of classical music from within. The programme breaks down barriers and has been described as “completely transformational” by many of those involved.
Issy Rainey, a young singer involved in Roar said “Missing out on Roar would make me a very different person. Initially, I was unsure about joining as I have no classical training and I don’t attend a fancy school - but Roar has completely changed my view on choral music. It can be so fragile, but so powerful. I feel so proud to be involved. It’s an incredible experience. I wish it could last longer, I can never get enough of it.”
Concert-goers will find themselves transported back in time to the vibrant ambience of Georgian Christmas festivities in country and parish churches. The programme traces the Christmas story through four distinct chapters - The Promise, The Shepherds, The Manger and The Angels. It includes carols, hymns and anthems by composers including Handel, Haydn and many lesser-known figures. The massed choirs will be joined by a colourful ensemble, featuring many old instruments which would have been heard in church bands in the 18th and 19th centuries - including two very rare serpents.
Paul McCreesh, Founder and Artistic Director said “I am always hugely excited to take part in our rather crazy Christmas tours. It’s always a joyful experience to be on stage with our wonderful young people in inspiring buildings and to share their enthusiasm as they discover the beauty of music.”
A full list of the choirs involved: Skegness Grammar School, Highlands, Thoresby Primary School, Wold Academy, Ainthorpe Primary, Maybury Primary School Choir, St George's Primary School Choir, St Andrew's CE Primary School, The Parks, Newland St John's CE Academy Choir and Oldfleet Primary School Choir.
Book tickets to ‘A Grand Georgian Christmas’ at Hull Minster - https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/gabrieli/t-rpxgnrz.