IOW Cantata Choir are singing Joseph Haydn’s The Creation composed between 1796 and 1798. It is a monumental three-part oratorio celebrating the creation of the world as described in Genesis, the Psalms, and Milton’s Paradise Lost. It is characterized by its joyous, optimistic, and nature-focused tone, featuring vivid orchestral word-painting, angelic narrators (Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael), and a final section dedicated to Adam and Eve.
Cantata choir is the largest choir with singers represented from across the island, conducted by Gareth Balch and celebrating its 70th Anniversary later this year.
The choir will be accompanied by the IOW Symphony orchestra in this much loved choral work.
Our Autumn 2024 Concert is celebration of the genius of W. A. Mozart.
Mozart’s powerful ‘Requiem’ is among the greatest and most popular of all classical choral works. It was composed during the final year of Mozart’s life, left unfinished at the time of his death, and made infamous by the mysterious and intriguing rumours surrounding its origins.
Throughout this emotionally-charged and magnificent masterpiece, Mozart explores the darkness of grief, vengeance, loss and sorrow, the comfort of courage, consolation and deep compassion, and the power of redemption and deliverance – through music that exudes unforgettable and profound beauty and existential drama.
In complimentary contrast, is Mozart’s ‘Vespers For A Solemn Confessor’. Comprised of six movements, this stunning and eloquent work evolves from bold exuberance, through the tranquility and serenity of profound reverence, and concludes with a fanfare of glorious, exultant rejoicing.
We are very sad indeed, to announce that Richard Hunt died; this Wednesday 17th January.
Richard stepped down from his role as the choir’s Tenor Section Leader at the beginning of December, as he had sadly just been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.
He endeavoured to remain as a member, to return to singing, as and when he felt able.
However, at the start of this year, he found that his diagnosis was terminal and untreatable.
And so he, and his wife; Soprano member, Georgina, relinquished their choir memberships, to focus on his health and quality of life.
Unfortunately and tragically, Richard died whilst undergoing surgery related to his condition.
Richard was an experienced singer; previously a member of Guildford Choral – and over the years, had various roles within choir committee, including as a music librarian.
With a long-standing love of music, and community choir endeavours, even when moved to the Island, Richard continued to maintain a connection with Guildford Choral as a long-term Patron.
Richard, and Georgina, joined Cantata in September 2021.
And at our AGM in January 2022, Richard took on the responsibility of Tenor Section Leader, becoming a valued member of the choir committee, contributing his wealth of experience.
Richard often remarked how much he enjoyed his time singing with us; both at rehearsal and performing in concerts, especially when we were accompanied by full orchestra and professional soloists, but also when the choir took part in extra curricular events.
Also a keen bell-ringer, of many years, Richard was a member of the ringers at All Saints’ Church, Ryde.
In his spare time, Richard and Georgina had a great love of yacht cruising; spending last Summer enjoying their trip around the North Spanish coast.
Our thoughts and warmest wishes are with his wife, friends and family, at this sad time.
