The Sacred Music of Henry Purcell (1659 – 1695) with Simon Harper

This is a workshop for singers and one keyboard player, exploring some of the sacred anthems by Henry Purcell, regarded as one of England’s greatest composers of the Baroque period.

Although Purcell wrote prolifically for the theatre throughout much of his life, as organist of both the Chapel Royal and Westminster Abbey he is remembered just as much as a master of choral composition, with his characteristic expressive textures and harmonies.

This workshop will focus on a selection of anthems for full choir in four, five and eight parts, including one of Purcell’s finest works I was glad, a setting of verses from Psalm 122, composed for the coronation of James II in 1685; the funeral sentences performed at Queen Mary’s funeral in 1965, as well as Purcell’s own funeral later the same year; and some shorter motets including the exquisite eight-voice setting of Hear my prayer, O Lord, full of Purcell’s characteristic expressive harmonic dissonances.

Music will be provided on the day

The tutor Simon Harper is a freelance singer, conductor and teacher. He read Music at the University of York, studied choral conducting with Paul Spicer, and was a member of the prestigious Genesis Sixteen scheme. As a Tenor Lay Clerk in Hereford Cathedral Choir, Simon has sung in live BBC broadcasts, participated in tours of the USA, performed in the Sistine Chapel, and sung at international events in Normandy to commemorate both the 75th and 80th anniversaries of D-Day.

Simon’s busy schedule as a choral conductor includes the directorships of Hereford Chamber Choir, Cotswolds-based Cantores Chamber Choir, Ledbury Choral Society, and Kington Choral Society. He has worked with professional orchestras –  the Central England Camerata, period instrument ensemble The Musical and Amicable Society, and internationally renowned viol consort Fretwork. He has conducted premieres of works by composers including Kerensa Briggs, Liz Dilnot Johnson and Robert Peate at the Three Choirs Festival and the Hay Festival. Simon also teaches singing and A Level Music at schools in Malvern and Worcester.

The venue is the Angel Centre in Worcester Town Centre. There are plenty of car parks in Worcester, but the nearest all day ones are the Cattlemarket and Croft Road about 5 minutes walk away up the hill. It is also close to Worcester Foregate station.

Booking is now open –  the booking form is here

Book by Friday 4th October

Organiser: Jill Davies  daviesmusic@btinternet.com 

Mobile on the day: 07721 317030