Lenten Chamber Concert
Music
The Cathedral Music Department treated an enthusiastic and appreciative audience to a concert of Lenten music.
As well as Pergolesi's beautiful Stabat Mater, performed by the children's choirs, we also has other less well known pieces. But the focus of the evening was Dietrich Buxtehude's moving Membra Jesu Nostri ('Limbs most holy'). Written in 1680, this is a musical reflection on the wounds of Christ on the cross, based on a text which is said to have been written by Bernard of Clairvaux. Underneath Pugin's figure of Christ on the cross (veiled during Lent), we listened to members of the cathedral choir (ably conducted by Director of Cathedral Music Greg Treloar) and soloists who came for the evening performing this wonderful work with skill and conviction. Musical accompaniment was provided by Colin Walsh on the organ, and Arculo, an up and coming consort of young viol players (one of whom is a parishioner of the cathedral).
This event was the result of a happy collaboration between the Friends of Nottingham Cathedral, who are active in supporting and promoting the work of the cathedral in the community; and Ongoing Clergy Formation, a department of the Diocesan Curia which seeks to support the clergy and religious in their spiritual formation. At a pre-concert reception Bishop Patrick thanked the Friends for their work, and members were given a brief update on the latest developments in the exciting 'Restoring Pugin' project.
The Friends welcome new members. If you would like to know more about their work, and the benefits of membership please see here or contact the chair, Ron Lynch ([email protected]) for more information.
