Let all the World in Every Corner Sing!
The Anglican Tradition
The Vermont Choral Union
Eric Milnes, Director
Featuring Sumner Thompson, baritone
The Protestant Reformation as it manifested in England during the 16th century under Henry the VIIIth resulted in political, cultural and social transformations which would have fundamental impacts on life there for hundreds of years to come. Not least was the effect on music, primarily in public worship, but in the secular realm as well. A new role for music was found in transcendent and opulent liturgies and celebrations which would match if not surpass the exalted sacred repertories of Germany, Italy and France. The result would be the flowering of one of greatest choral traditions the world has known. Any listener who has been fortunate to witness the grand coronation and nuptial services from English Cathedrals has delighted in the extraordinary flowering of such a musical tradition.
As was the case on the continent, the finest composers of the kingdom for 500 years were drawn to and recruited into providing the compositions which would distinguish this musical gesture. The greatest luminaries of the field found creative outlet, celebrity and wide diffusion of their work through this relationship with the Anglican Cathedrals, University Chapels, and Parish Churches. And through the relentless spread of the empire across the centuries, this tradition, and the fame of the composers working within it, would become global.
The Vermont Choral Union’s survey of four centuries of this grand repertoire includes works by some of England’s most revered composers: Purcell, Wise, Ouseley, Holst, Bairstow, Vaughn Williams, Howells, Mathias, and Rutter among others. Featured will be Ralph Vaughn Williams magnificent Five Mystical Songs, featuring Boston’s critically acclaimed baritone soloist Sumner Thompson. The program will also include new compositions by Burlingtonians Maarten van Ryckevorsel and Eric Milnes. Accompanied by organ as in the great Anglican Tradition, these performances will feature two of Burlington’s finest organs, those at College Street Congregational Church and at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, two of the region’s most acoustically distinguished sacred music venues.
Enthusiasts of great choral music, great sacred music, great English composers, great performances, or any combination of the above will be delighted to share in this luxuriant and unique musical offering. We look forward to seeing you!
