Private School News

STONYHURST CHOIR BRIGHTENS A WET MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY

STONYHURST’S choir cheered up a damp May Day Bank Holiday with an early morning concert, performed for parents, pupils and other members of the public.

In spite of the early hour, the 8am concert drew a good audience who listened to a variety of pieces in the college’s Top Refectory, after the wet weather forced a change of plan from the usual open air venue within the college’s amphitheatre.

The Schola Cantorum choir traditionally sing on the May Day Bank Holiday and this year their repertoire included: ‘Tanzen und Springen’ a German madrigal by Hassler; ‘Pastime with good company’ attributed to King Henry VIII; ‘Now is the month of Maying’ and ‘My bonny lass she smileth’ by Morley; ‘The silver swan’ and ‘Eternal ruler of the ceaseless round’ by Gibbons; ‘Cum decore’ by Susato and ‘Amor Vittorioso’, an Italian madrigal by Gastoldi.

The choir was conducted first by Yoann Belon, 15, from the Isle of Wight, and then by the Choir’s musical director and college organist, Dr Kevin Morgan.

After the concert the singers and audience sat down to a special breakfast in the refectory.

“Everyone enjoyed the early morning concert, it was a great way to start the day!” said Dr Morgan. “All the singers love to perform ‘Music for a May Morning’, it’s a very special part of the choir’s calendar.”

Picture caption: The Schola Cantorum choir performing at Stonyhurst College.