Following on from the sold out ‘Coronation Celebration’ held in Petersfield in July, Alton based choir Luminosa is delighted to announce the first concert of the new season. Performing for the first time in the Aldridge Theatre at Frensham Heights School near Farnham, an exciting evening awaits, with the turbulent Nelson Mass by Haydn, and the uplifting and sonorous Vespers by Mozart.

Led, as always, under the creative guidance of conductor Rebekah Abbott, the 80-strong choir will perform alongside a quartet of emerging soloists from top London Conservatoires. Adding further excitement to this concert will be the carefully curated orchestra, the “Hampshire Sinfonietta”. This ensemble includes members of the critically acclaimed “Connaught Brass” who performed with Luminosa at their aforementioned ‘Coronation Celebration’ concert in July, as well as players who performed at the Coronation of King Charles III himself!

The evening will centre on the beautiful, sonorous harmonies of Haydn’s Missa in Angustiis. Commonly referred to as the Nelson Mass, it paints a dramatic and powerful landscape with the interweaving of the prominent orchestra, SATB soloists and chorus.

The choir will also perform Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, or Solemn Vespers. In this work, contrasts of colour between soloists, orchestra and chorus abound, alongside its characteristic cleverly woven textures between voice parts. Nowhere is that clearer than in the well-known, and stunning Laudate Domimum, which forms the centre point of this work. Finally, clarinettist George Shrapnell, pianist Adam Blosse and soprano Rebekah Abbott will perform Schubert’s penultimate composition, the exquisite and virtuosic Shepherd on the Rock.

Luminosa hopes you can join them for an evening to remember on Saturday 25th November at Frensham Heights School, Farnham at 7pm. Generous sponsorship from Hattingley Valley Wines and Knight Frank allows tickets to be available at just £15 for adults (under 12s-£5), available on Ticketsource (www.luminosamusic.com).

Tickets are already selling fast, and with Luminosa’s last four concerts selling out well before the event, ensure you secure yours early. There will be a retiring collection in support of the work of The Fountain Centre, Guildford.