St John’s Church, Boxmoor

Messe Solonnelle St Cecilia – Gounod
Hymn of Praise – Mendelssohn
Musical Director: Delia Meehan
Soloists: Mary Bevan (soprano), Rosie Clifford (mezzo soprano), Tom Edward Robson (tenor), Charles Rice (bass).
Charles Gounod was regarded in 19th century France, and even today, as one of the great figures in French music, particularly for his operas and stage works and yet a later and equally well respected composer, Saint-Saens, perceptively observed that Gounod’s ultimate fame would rest above all on his religious music, especially one particular work – the St Cecilia Mass or ‘Messe Solennelle”. It is dedicated to St Cecilia, the patron saint of music, and quickly became one of Gounod’s popular works and has much to offer performers and listeners alike with its tuneful melodies, colourful harmonies and sometimes dramatic interpretation of the texts. There are moments of great simplicity, grandeur and serenity.
Delia Meehan said, ‘The Gounod St Cecilia Mass is not frequently performed so we are delighted to offer our audience the opportunity to share the beauty of this inspiring music’.
Tickets: £12, £5 if under 17 from choir members or tel 01923 400520/263939.