To mark the start of Passiontide, come and sing one of the most celebrated works of English choral music, Crucifixion, by Sir John Stainer (1840-1901).

Tickets purchased through Eventbrite are for audience members only.

If you are interested in singing, please fill out the form below to reserve a place (£5 payable on the day) before 4 April 2019. 

Saturday 6 April 2019

14:00 Rehearsal
17:00 Tea break
18:00 Performance

Robert Howarth, Director

Felix Leach, Tenor

Giles Underwood, Bass

Alexander Pott, Organist

Stainer was Organist at the University Church from 1861 to 1871 and Professor of Music at Oxford University. His anthems, chants and hymn tunes resourced many Victorian parishes churches with repertoire for local choirs. His vision for a Passiontide work that village and town choirs could use emerged in 1887, whilst Organist at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. William Sparrow-Simpson (1859-1952), the son of a colleague, wrote the libretto, weaving together biblical narrative with newly composed verse, and moving between recitative, chorus and congregational hymn.

Crucifixion owes a great deal to the model of Bach’s Passions centuries before, which at the time had only recently been reintroduced to the British public. Its first performance at St Marylebone Parish Church in London was well received by audiences and singers, and it has survived and thrived as one of the most cherished accessible works for choral societies and parish choirs.

We will be using the Novello edition of Crucifixion. A limited number of scores are available to buy on the day for £6.

Contributions will support the Littlemore Church Building Project. http://www.newmanmeetingplace.org.uk/littlemore/