Singers set to perform one of Mozart’s most beautiful and fascinating works

The Requiem, one of the most famous and best-loved choral works in the entire classical repertoire, is part of a double bill, which also includes Haydn’s Nelson Mass.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets, which cost £12, are available on the door or in advance on 07790 863229.

Concordia Singers will be accompanied by the Camerata of London and by soloists Robyn Allegra Parton, Clare McCaldin, Martin Hindmarsh and the up-and-coming South African bass baritone Njabulo Madlala.

Mozart’s Requiem is famous both for the beauty of the music and the story of how it came to be created.

Concordia Singers’ musical director Ian Assersohn said: “The story behind its origin has passed into legend; the mysterious stranger turning up with a bag of money and a commission for a Requiem from an anonymous nobleman.

“We now know, as Mozart probably did not, that the commissioner was the amateur musician Count Franz von Walsegg, whose wife had recently died and who had a habit of commissioning works from well-known composers and passing them off as his own: hence his desire for anonymity. He was foiled in this case by the unexpected death of the composer and the wily business acumen of Mozart’s widow Constanze.”

Ian added: “Haydn’s Nelson Mass also has an intriguing story behind it. Formally known as the Missa in Angustiis (or Mass in Troubled Times), it was written in 1798, a time of great political and financial instability in European history. It received its alternative title of Nelson Mass because the first performance happened to occur on the same day as Nelson’s victory against Napoleon at the Battle of the Nile.

Concordia Singers have been part of Crawley’s musical heritage for more than half a century and they are still going strong. Rehearsals take place every Thursday evening at 7.45pm at Crawley URC, Worth Park Avenue, Pound Hill, RH10 3DF.

Choir publicity officer Donna Oxley said new members were always welcome: “If you enjoy singing, why not come along and try it out for yourself? There is no audition and you won’t be tested in any way.

“Our rehearsals have a friendly, informal atmosphere and the concerts are always great fun.”

To find out more about Crawley Concordia Singers visit www.concordiasingers.org.uk, find them on Facebook or call 07790 863229.