St Beornwald’s day concert

Matthew Stiff as Trofonio with his 'cave'
at Bampton in 2015

On Monday 21 December 2015 Bampton Classical Opera will be holding its annual St Beonwald's day concert at St Mary's Church, Bampton. The slightly mysterious Saint Beornwald of Bampton was venerated as patron saint of Bampton from at least the 9th century until the Reformation and he may even have been the founder of the community.

This year's concert will be the inauguration of a new ensemble, Bampton Classical Voices, an eight-voice a capella professional vocal ensemble directed by Andrew Griffiths (who also sings tenor in the group). The concert combines music by Tallis, Byrd, Praetorius, Mouton, Lassus and Victoria with Britten Ceremony of Carols (in the version for SATB choir and harp) as well as popular 20th century Christmas pieces by RVW, Ireland and Michael Head. The ensemble will be joined by harpist Rita Schindler.

Bampton Classical Opera's 2015 presentation was the first UK staging of Salieri's The Grotto of Trofonio (see my review) and their 2016 programme will be a double bill of Gluck's Philemon et Baucis and Arne's The Judgement of Paris (see my preview).