Lewisham Choral Society, Forest Philharmonic Orchestra

Lewisham Choral Society presents a regal extravaganza of music by Haydn and Mozart, two composers inextricably linked with the imperial court of the Holy Roman Empire, of which their Austrian homeland was a part. One can see why Mozart’s majestic Coronation Mass, with its glorious music for choir and soloists, was a favourite of the Viennese court. The court later commissioned Haydn’s rousing Te Deum in C for the Emperor’s wife, Maria Theresa. The fiery opening of Haydn’s delightful motet Insanae et vanae curae, describing man’s ‘vain and raging cares,’ contrasts with its lyrical conclusion urging us to trust in God. And following his magnificent performance of the Elvira Madigan concerto last year, pianist Nico de Villiers returns to play the darker tones of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 20. The choir is accompanied by Forest Philharmonic Orchestra, one of London’s foremost community orchestras, under the baton of accomplished conductor Dan Ludford –Thomas.

A crowning achievement all round!