St Albans Bach Choir: The Dream of Gerontius, Elgar

St Albans Bach Choir 

Daniel Hyde Guest conductor 

Helen Charlston Mezzo Soprano

Sam Furness Tenor

Gareth Brynmor John Bass

Sinfonia Verdi Orchestra

William Fox Organ

Saturday 27 June, 7.30pm

The Dream of Gerontius is a profound poem written in 1865 by John Henry Newman (1801 to 1890). Cardinal Newman was originally an Anglican priest who converted to Catholicism in 1845 and became a saint on 13 October 2019. This narrative poem follows the journey of Gerontius, a devout man, as he faces death and travels to the afterlife. The poem was a best seller with the Victorians who had a rising interest in the subject.

 Elgar had a copy of the poem in 1885 and was given another as a wedding present in 1889. After much persuasion, Elgar agreed to set the poem to music at the beginning of 1900, the first task being to reduce its considerable length. The full score was eventually completed on 03 August 1900 ready for a first performance on 03 October 1900 which was marred by a late change of conductor. Fortunately, its merits were spotted and performances in Düsseldorf in 1901 and 1902 started the work’s journey to greatness. Due to its Catholic sentiment, it initially struggled to make headway in the British repertoire, but it now stands as one of the most important of Elgar’s works and one of the most loved of all major choral works.

The Dream of Gerontius language is graphic, dramatic and emotional. This is perfectly represented by Elgar’s writing for the choir, soloists and orchestra. Elgar’s wife, Alice, wrote: “It seems to me that E[dward] has given a real message of consolation to the world and that the dread and terrors are soothed by the infinite sweetness and mercy which penetrate one’s Soul with intense emotion.”  In this uncertain world, perhaps we can all be transported to a better place, if only for the duration of this dream.

St Albans Bach Choir and the Cathedral Choirs are delighted to welcome Daniel Hyde as our Guest Conductor. Daniel, esteemed choral conductor and world-class organist, has worked with many of the world’s leading ensembles and choirs.  He has been Director of Music at King’s College, Cambridge since 2019 and, as well as directing the world-famous Choir in daily services, he regularly conducts concerts and broadcasts at home and abroad. Alongside his commitments in Cambridge he is Musical Director of City of London Choir.

Tickets: £36, £32, £28, £20, £15

No view seats will only be released when seats with views have sold out.

Concessions: Children under 16 £15,  Students (full time) with ID £15. Not available for Premium seats.

Carers/Companions free. Seats marked with a K are only to be booked by people accompanying the adjacent wheelchair user. Only one companion ticket is permitted per transaction.

Doors will open 30 minutes before concert starts. There is an interval of 20 minutes during this performance. 

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 Photo credit: Toby Shepheard