Bach Mass in B Minor

The London Orpheus Choir is proud to present Bach's Mass in B Minor in memory of James Gaddarn, our choir's conductor for an incredible 58 years.

For this performance at St John's Smith Square we will be joined by five fantastic soloists. Jacqueline Pischorn, soprano, Michael Hart-Davis, tenor, and Ian Caddy, bass, have a long association with the choir and we are delighted that they are able to come and sing with us again on this special occasion. The internationally renowned countertenor, Christopher Robson, was taught by James Gaddarn at Trinity College so it is especially fitting that he is able to join us too. In keeping with James' constant encouragement of young musicians and in recognition of his long association with Trinity College (now the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance) our second soprano, Julia Weatherley, is a current student at the college.
The London Orpheus Choir is proud of its support of young musicians and in 2011 initiated the London Orpheus Choir Young Artists Platform. Under this scheme we endeavour to give at least one concert each year with soloists and instrumentalists who are starting out in their careers. For this concert, the London Orpheus Orchestra on period instruments will be led by George Clifford. The majority of the players will be recent graduates of London's top music colleges.
Bach's Mass in B Minor was a great favourite of James Gaddarn who described it as the 'eighth wonder of the world' and it was the work he chose to perform for his final performance with the London Orpheus in 2010. The choir and Richard Jenkinson, our musical director, are keen to give a concert of this wonderful work of which James would be proud. We hope you can join us for this very special occasion.