Concert in the Abbey Church

26 March 2009

Worth Abbey Church

This concert proved itself worthy of the title 'the musical highlight of Worth 75'.

Trinity College London is one of Britain’s leading colleges of music and Worth was privileged to host their Orchestra and Choral Group - collectively more than 140 musicians and singers - together with the internationally acclaimed pianist Philip Fowke.

The programme included two concert favourites, Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor and Brahm's Requiem, and a world premier. The appreciative audience saw first performance of a specially commissioned piece by Nick Jones, a fourth-year student at Trinity College of Music, London. Entitled Scene, this work is described as a fanfare and takes its inspiration from a haiku (Japanese poem) by J.W. Hackett: “Deep within the stream the huge fish lies motionless facing the current.”

Abbot Christopher in his foreword explained how music is central to the Benedictine tradition and therefore a key part of the Worth 75 celebrations. "Benedictine monks sing to the glory of God six times a day in this abbey church and music is a vital part of the education we offer in our school."

"It is a privilege to welcome back Philip Fowke, one of Britain's leading pianists and a former student of Downside, the Benedictine abbey from which Worth was founded in 1933. The Symphony Orchestra and Choral Group from Trinity College of Music make tonight's concert a celebration of musical education, while James Judd brought wide experience and acclaim as the conductor."

The concert was sponsored by Boosey and Hawkes and CEO John Minch and his wife attended as guests of Abbot Christopher. The Steering Group are grateful to Boosey and Hawkes for their sponsorship of this event.

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