A wide variety of musical talent on show at the Portsmouth Festivities

There is a veritable cornucopia of musical treats on offer at this year's Portsmouth Festivities.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Jun 2016, 06:45 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 18:37 BST
India Electric CompanyIndia Electric Company
India Electric Company

Here are just a few of the highlights on offer over the next 10 days.

One of the rising stars among Oxbridge choirs, the Choir of Merton College, will visit the Portsmouth Festivities for the first time to sing a programme including the Requiem by French composer Maurice Durufle – surpassed in popular esteem only by Faure’s.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The concert at Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral on June 19 is based on Gregorian chant, with music ranging from 16th century composer John Sheppard to living Latvian Eriks Esenvalds.

The Merton choir is regarded as one of Oxford’s leading mixed choirs, consisting of 30 undergraduates and graduates including choral scholars.

Also on June 19, The India Electric Co. will be bringing their captiviating blend of roots, gypsy jazz and Irish reels to the Square Tower in Old Portsmouth. As Radio3 DJ Mary Ann Kennedy put it, the duo are ‘quirky and glittery – a veritable musical magpie’s nest.’

A Portsmouth-based choir of eight solo voices, The Nelson Consort will give a concert entitled One Equal Light under the direction of founder Oliver Hancock on June 23 at St George’s Church, Portsea.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Nelson Consort’s programme takes its heading from a line in John Donne’s text, Bring Us O Lord God, to be heard in a setting by William Harris.

Other composers represented include Charles Wood (Hail Gladdening Light), John Rutter (Hymn To The Creator of Light), Britten (Hymn To St Cecilia) and the currently-acclaimed Alexander Campkin, with a set of four pieces beginning with Bright Shadows.

Musical theatre hits Blue Moon and Over The Rainbow will provide a ‘lighter’ contrast.

The consort consists mainly of adult members of the Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral choir,

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Meanwhile at the Kings on June 23, The ELO Experience will be celebrating their 10th year of bringing the music of Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light orchestra to the live stage. The world’s foremost tribute to The Electric Light Orchestra, they celebrate the legacy of Jeff Lynne’s band, which scored numerous hits such 10538 Overture, Evil Woman, Living Thing, Diary Of Horace Wimp, Don’t Bring Me Down and, of course, Mr Blue Sky.

Various venues

June 17-26

portsmouthfestivities.co.uk