The Bath Camerata is to feature in a BBC television programme with Royal Palace Historian Lucy Worsley, celebrating the history of Choral Evensong as part of BBC4’s new ‘Reformation’ season.
To be shown later this month, the programme will feature a number of choirs singing Evensong, from the very earliest settings to the most contemporary.
Recorded earlier this summer in the beautiful surroundings of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin in Oxford, Bath Camerata sang the evensong setting by composer and well-known baritone, Roderick Williams.
This vibrant, jazzy setting of the traditional text demonstrates Roddy Williams’ skill as a composer, and his understanding of singing and of choral music.
Bath Camerata already has a reputation for singing and promoting contemporary choral music so were pleased to be able to showcase this Evensong setting, alongside a live jazz trio, which confidently lights a pathway for the role of contemporary music in traditional settings. Williams’ music is engaging, challenging, rewarding, and beautiful.
This recording was another step in the developing relationship between the choir and the composer Roderick Williams.
As well as singing existing pieces – his setting of ‘Love bade me welcome’ was a highlight of Bath Camerata’s Summer concert in July – the choir has commissioned Roderick Williams to compose a new piece of music to be performed at their Good Friday concert in Wells Cathedral in March 2018.
