Phase Three - June 2005
On 18 June 2005, 74 members of Exeter Festival Chorus were joined by 57 German and 34 Russian singers for the third combined performance of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem, to a capacity audience in the beautiful setting of Exeter Cathedral in Devon. This was the opening concert of the annual Exeter Festival, and represented the culmination of a huge, tripartite undertaking.
Once again, we have to understand the lead-up to this event...
During our visit to Yaroslavl in May, we learnt that our Russian 'partners' would not be able to sing with us in Exeter, due to the prohibitive cost of travelling. We therefore faced the prospect of doing the concert with only two thirds of the original forces, which would have greatly diminished the whole purpose of this project. It was only through considerable negotiation, and the great generosity of sponsors in Hanau and Exeter, that the day was saved - just three weeks before the concert! To keep their costs to a minimum, the Russian singers travelled by coach - which meant leaving Yaroslavl three days before their arrival in Devon.
The intention was that the coach from Yaroslavl would rendezvous with the one bringing the singers from Hanau, at the French ferry-port, but they were delayed and had to take a later ferry. Meanwhile, their hosts from Exeter Festival Chorus were awaiting their arrival at the agreed meeting-point, unaware of the problem. The German party arrived about 9.30pm on Friday 17, and were taken home by their hosts, some of whom had to return around midnight to collect the Russian singers - late but safe.
The day of the concert had been planned, of necessity, with military precision. We had a very tight schedule in which to get everything just right (for the Hanau and Yaroslavl performances we had the luxury of more than two days' rehearsal together). At 11am, we climbed onto the staging, which had been marked with signs to show where we should sit (from soprano 1, through the voices, to bass 2). We then had a choir-only rehearsal, to consolidate our already deep acquaintance with this demanding work. Our musical director, Nigel Perrin, instructed us clearly and calmly, and, after the hour allotted, he was satisfied that we could sing as a cohesive unit. We then had the fun of practising getting on and off stage in an orderly manner!
During our lunch-break, the conductor of the chamber-orchestra, Christian Mause, had about 2 hours (only) to rehearse them, with the tenor and bass soloists - none of them had met before.
The full rehearsal commenced promptly at 2pm. The major task of directing all the 260 performers, fell to Nigel Perrin - who had to ensure the most efficient use of the 3 hours available. To make the job even harder, many of the orchestral players were reading the score of this complex work for the first time that day. Throughout the day, an army of EFC helpers (under the direction of committee members) was providing tea, collecting wine and glasses (for the post-concert reception), and carrying out many other duties 'behind the scenes', to keep everything running smoothly - a great team effort. Just for good measure, this was the hottest day of the year so far, and we also had to negotiate our way through performers and audience who were enjoying events and a traditional market on the Cathedral green.
Just before 7.30, the combined choirs of 165 singers, started to assemble on the staging. From there, high above the audience, it was an amazing sight – virtually every seat occupied - and the evening sun lighting the whole scene through the West window. We were delighted to see that the Lord Mayor of Exeter, the Bishop of Exeter and a senior representative of the German Embassy were present. There was a tangible thrill of expectation for something very special about to happen. We were all welcomed by the Dean, with translations into German and Russian closely following each section of his introduction.
From the first whispered 'Requiem' - through the pitiful poems of Wilfred Owen - through the beauty and precision of the sixteen off-stage cathedral choristers - through the drama of the 'Dies irae' - through the beautiful 'Lacrimosa' and the pleading 'Libera me' - to the huge climax which combines all forces - to the final 'Requiescant in pace' with its shimmering 'Amen' - disappearing to nothing...
It was a truly shattering experience for performers and audience alike. As Nigel Perrin stood with outstretched hands at the end of the performance, the complete silence was absolutely appropriate. The spell was eventually broken by huge and prolonged applause. Many of the audience and singers, were in tears. Such is the power and poignancy of this extraordinary work, to touch our inner, basic feelings.
After such a thrilling and moving performance, it seems almost indecent to mention the splendid reception which followed, in the chapter-house. However, it was very much part of the continuing theme of peace, reconciliation and communication. After formal speeches and presentations and a tasty supper, the singers did what they do best - they SANG!
To complete an amazing weekend, our Russian friends performed a concert the following evening, in St. David's Church, Exeter. It was a stunning display of vocal dexterity - with music ranging from deeply sacred to very profane! Considering that the whole event was put together with three weeks notice, it was very professionally organised, and well-attended. Proceeds went to contribute to the Glas Choir's travel expenses.
The two very emotional farewells with our German and Russian visitors early on the Sunday and Monday mornings, as they started their long coach-journeys home, were proof, if any were needed, that music really does build bridges. There was a real feeling that our shared experiences over three superb concerts had created a true and lasting friendship - a poignant end to our War Requiem Project. In our own small way, we hope Britten would have been proud of our achievement!
For the record, those taking part in the Exeter performance of the War Requiem were:
Orchestras:
The London Gala Orchestra.
Chamber orchestra from the London Gala Orchestra
Choirs:
Exeter Festival Chorus
Glas Choir, Yaroslavl
Hanauer Kantorei, Hanau
Girl and boy choristers of Exeter Cathedral
Soloists:
Natalya Kreslina, Soprano
Neil Jenkins, Tenor
Peter Schüler, Baritone
Conductors:
Nigel Perrin - choir and main orchestra
Christian Mause - chamber orchestra and male soloists
Andrew Millington - Cathedral choristers
Organist:
Paul Morgan
Report by Rob Martin
