Seismic Symphony

Seismic Symphony

A concert of orchestral music to brighten the dullest afternoon will be heard on Sunday, 20 March, at 2 pm, when the CBS Orchestra present three contrasted works by Joseph Haydn in an hour-long programme in the Catholic Pro-Cathedral. Admission will be free, with donations welcomed.

Haydn’s music is surely the happiest ever composed. This programme begins with a short extract from a sadder, sombre composition: his Seven Last Words from the Cross. Although written as a series of solemn meditations, only the Introduction and apocalyptic Earthquake movement will be performed on the traditional CBS Lenten concert. This profound work dates from a request by a Spanish canon to use his American gold to enhance an underground chapel.in Cadiz.

The substantial Concerto in C for organ and orchestra will feature as soloist Grant Bartley, HOD Music at Cashmere High School, and involved for many years with CBS Music. This is a bustling, joyful piece, originally written to provide ear-tickling instrumental alternatives to the ordained liturgical chants.

This concert culminates with a magnificent creation from the “Father of the Symphony” - Haydn’s Symphony 93 in D major, which opened a season of the famous London 12 Symphonies written for the impresario, Peter Salomon. It had a sensational first reception, when the London Times reported that “…such a combination of excellence was contained in every movement, as inspired all the performers as well as the audience with enthusiastic ardour. Novelty of idea, agreeable caprice, which combined with all Haydn’s sublime and wonted grandeur, have added consequence to the soul and feelings of every individual present. We hope our Christchurch audiences will experience the same wonderful benefit!” Natalia M. Lomeiko leads the orchestra, and musical director is Don Whelan.

In 2022, CBS Music continues its popular Wednesday At One recital series, with the annual Bach St John Passion at 8 pm on Good Friday, and a Christmas Messiah at 1.30 pm on Sunday, 11 December.

The Cathedral Feast Day of Corpus Christi will be commemorated on 19 June, at 2 pm, by a festival concert, featuring the Mozart “Haffner” Symphony No. 35, in D Major and a first NZ performance of John Rutter’s oratorio The Falcon. Another Christchurch Choral Festival is planned for August 14, at 3 pm.

In place of the usual Haydn symphony and Mass, the CBS choir, orchestra and soloists intend to perform his oratorio The Creation at 2 pm on Sunday 2 October, to mark the beginning of a new chapter for their cathedral music in Christchurch. They also hope to tour to Kaikoura, Blenheim and Nelson over Show Weekend, but all musical planning will be conditional on public health requirements at the time, and judging by last year’s experiences, many events may have to be cancelled or postponed.

The CBS year concludes with Weber’s “Jubilee” Mass in G Major at the Christmas Midnight Mass.

Assuming current Covid regulations, please note that vaccine passes will be required, and numbers will be limited to those who first arrive.