OU Choir spring concert: Kodály, Britten and Bach

The Open University Choir’s spring concert comprises two works, for choir, soloists and organ, which were written during the Second World War. In 1943 the young Benjamin Britten was commissioned by Rev. Walter Hussey, vicar of St Matthew’s Church in Northampton, to compose a cantata for the 50th anniversary of its consecration. Britten selected passages from Rejoice in the Lamb, an eccentric text by the eighteenth-century poet Christopher Smart. Hussey’s festival was a huge success and initiated a tradition of commissioning art which has been maintained by this church right up to today.

Written at various stages in the early 1940s, Zoltán Kodály’s Missa brevis features some strikingly beautiful melodies, haunting harmonies and dramatic effects. The work was originally conceived as an extended organ solo during a summer holiday in the mountains. The second version, for choir, soloists and organ, received its première in a cloakroom in the basement of the Hungarian State Opera House in 1945 where Kodály, his wife, many members of the opera company and other residents were sheltering during the siege of Budapest.

Both pieces in their different ways demonstrate the defiance of artists in turbulent times and the importance of continuing to make art during such periods.

In between these two works organist Paul Daggett will play Johann Sebastian Bach’s youthful, exuberant Fugue in G minor BWV 542. The concert will be conducted by Bill Strang.

The concert takes place on 29 March in St Barnabas Church in Leighton Buzzard. It begins at 3.30pm, with doors open at 3pm, and will conclude at approximately 4.45pm.

Tea and cakes will be provided by members of the church after the concert (proceeds in aid of St Barnabas Church).

Book tickets

Tickets can be booked in advance via Eventbrite.

General admission costs £10. Under-18 tickets are free but should be booked. All tickets include a printed programme.

Tickets on the door will be available for cash or card payment.

Accessibility

The venue is accessible. If you are a wheelchair user or have limited mobility, please book tickets and email us at openuniversitychoir@gmail.com to let us know you will be attending so we can ensure that an appropriate space is reserved for you. You will also need a ticket for anyone who accompanies you.

Parking

St Barnabas Church has free parking and is adjacent to Leighton Buzzard mainline railway station (Euston to Birmingham line).