CHECK OUT THE CONCERTS CONTINUO IS SUPPORTING ON CONTINUO CONNECT

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Ex Cathedra is proud to have founded the first period-instrument orchestra in an English regional city (1983-84). The Midlands – with its heritage, diversity and Birmingham’s global aspirations – deserves a world-class Baroque orchestra. Our surveys confirm strong appreciation for this repertoire and our historically-informed performances, and it offers a vital pathway and inspiration for e.g. Royal Birmingham Conservatoire students – many taught by our section principals, often alumni themselves.

As we approach Jeffrey Skidmore’s retirement (Dec 2027), we request support towards 3 concerts that celebrate his legacy:
- Bach, Christmas Oratorio – 7 Dec, Town Hall, Birmingham
- The Sun King’s Favourite: Lalande 300 – 15 Feb, Town Hall, Birmingham
- Good Friday Bach St John Passion – 3 Apr, Symphony Hall

This is the final time Jeffrey will direct these works by JS Bach. He was unable to direct our B Minor Mass last December, so we’re pleased to include the Christmas Oratorio, with all 6 cantatas. The St John Passion will include a contemporary liturgical reconstruction with chorale preludes, communal hymns, secular readings, and two motets – incl. one by Alec Roth commissioned by Ex Cathedra in 2017. It will also engage our senior youth choir and members of community choirs, who will lead the audience hymns.

We are excited to return to the music of Michel-Richard de Lalande to mark his 300th anniversary. Now rarely heard, he was a favourite of the Sun King and his music was performed more than any other composer in the “Concert Spirituel” series (1725-90). Jeffrey and Ex Cathedra have led the revival of French Baroque performance in the UK, with ground-breaking recordings Charpentier, Rameau, a survey of Marie Fel, and 3 albums of Lalande. It is music that comes to life when the specialist, stylistic demands of pronunciation, ornamentation, and vocal scoring – incl. haute-contre voices – are understood. Alongside 2 “grands motets”, the concert features 2 orchestral works: La grande pièce royale “que la Roi demandait souvent”; and Corelli’s Concerto grosso Op.6 no.8. We hope BBC Radio 3 will broadcast this concert.

Christmas Oratorio and Lalande are promoted at our own risk, and the St John Passion is shared risk. Combined audiences are expected to exceed 2,000, with people travelling from across the Midlands and as far as west Wales. Tickets start at £21 (£15 for 18-30s, £8 for u18s and full-time students). Discounted/free offers will be targeted to groups including choirs from lower socio-economic areas, our youth choirs, schools and healthcare projects, and ongoing partnerships e.g. refugee support networks - we are committed to making this wonderful, little-known music accessible so it can be appreciated by as many people as possible.

These concerts will also feature our graduate and Student Scholars, training emerging and future professional singers.

Other concerts in our season featuring continuo will be listed on Continuo Connect.