Saturday 26th April 2008: Verdi Requiem, Guildford Cathedral

** 50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA CONCERT**

The Epworth Choir opened their 50th Anniversary Season with a Gala performance of Verdi Requiem. Epworth Choir were joined by two guest choirs, Cardiff Polyphonic Choir and Concordia Voices and the Salomon Orchestra led by Tara Persaud. The soloists were Helena Dix – soprano, Emily Bauer-Jones – Mezzo Soprano, Shaun Dixon – Tenor and Jacques Imbrailo – Bass. The Conductor was Neil Ferris – Epworth’s Musical Director.

‘Verdi’s glorious Requiem with its operatic style was performed with sensitivity, verve and enjoyment by the 200 voices blending so well together, the excellent Salomon Orchestra and the superb soloists.’

‘The ‘Sanctus’ and the ‘Agnus Dei’ showed the choir at its best for me. There were 200 voices but when I closed my eyes during the ‘ Sanctus’ it could have been just one and the ‘Agnus Dei’ brought tears to my eyes’. The ‘Libera Me’ brought the work to a breathtaking and magical climax.’

‘It was a night to remember and Epworth Choir and their fellow performers can be justifiably proud of a wonderful performance.’

The Retiring Collection Raised £875 In Support Of The Guildford Samaritans.