On 30th March 2018 (Good Friday) I performed the role of the Angel in Elgar’s ‘The Dream of Gerontius‘ broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 from the magnificent setting of the Kings Chapel at Kings College Cambridge. Performing the piece too were Brenden Gunnel (tenor) and David Stout (bass baritone). Christopher Robinson was the Conductor with the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Philharmonic Chorus. It was such a thrill to sing Elgar’s beautiful music in such a stunning setting as the Chapel to a very receptive audience.
King’s College Chapel is a stunning masterpiece of English craftsmanship. It’s part of one of the oldest Cambridge colleges sharing a wonderful sense of history and tradition with the rest of the University. It was founded by Henry VI in 1441, and includes an elaborate fan-vault ceiling, magnificent stained-glass windows and Ruben’s masterpiece, The Adoration of the Magi.
We had a wonderful time staying within the College and it was very special to be able to being to wander around the beautiful grounds and admire the wonderful architecture. It was a real treat to have breakfast in the famous College Dining Hall (I felt like I was on a Harry Potter film set!) The Hall was designed by William Wilkins in the 1820s and it is considered to be one of the most magnificent and dramatic dining halls of its era. It was part of the Gothic-style development the College underwent during the reign of George IV (1820-1830). There was also a lovely reception after the Concert too in the cloisters which was a magnificent setting and it was great to have the opportunity to talk to some of the audience members afterwards who all seemed delighted and to have thoroughly enjoyed the concert.
We ended our week-end in Cambridge watching the funeral cortege of the world renowned physicist Professor Stephen Hawking – it was very special to be there at this time and great to be able to pay our respects to such an amazing man who inspaired so many people and was so well loved – especially at home in Cambridge.
