INTO THE LIGHT 

On Saturday 15^th November members of the school choir took part in a performance of “Into the Light” at Wantage Parish church.  This was a very exciting and moving experience.

“Into the Light” is a community oratorio, commissioned by Wantage Parish Church as part of an Arts Council funded project.  The commission was awarded to Harvey Brough and James Runcie.

The story comes from the apocryphal writing of “Thecla and Paul”.  James Runcie took this story and produced a wonderful libretto, telling of Thecla’s life, but also showing us how her story could belong to “any time, anywhere”.

Harvey’s music draws on a wide variety of traditions and we were delighted to be invited to take a small part in the world premiere of this work.  The other performers were Wantage Parish Church Choir, Compton Primary School Choir, members of Wantage Silver Band and a wonderful group of professional musicians brought together by Harvey.  The conductor was Andrew Parrott.

The children have worked hard this term during their lunchtimes, practicing their parts as Harvey emailed them to the school.  He himself came along twice to practice with the choir and explain more about the music and the story.  However I think it was quite a shock when they turned up at the church on Friday evening to see and hear the number of people involved!  First Jon Cox, the Director of Music at Wantage Parish Church, helped them warm up their voices and practice some of their music, before everyone found their places and the general rehearsal began.  Gradually the children learned where their parts fitted in to the whole, so that by the end of the Saturday afternoon rehearsal they were feeling much more confident.

On Saturday evening the church was packed and there was a wonderful atmosphere.  The performance was amazing and Andrew Parrot brought everything together to make a marvellous sound.  I think one of the highlights for the children was the crashing storm created by the percussion, and we hope they will never forget this opportunity to sing with professional musicians – and the fact that they sang in a world premiere!  They sang so well and we have received a very kind letter from Harvey thanking them for their important contribution.

Mrs Proctor did a fantastic job training the choir, quite a challenge given the unfamiliar musical style and unusual Biblical names. Thanks must also go to Mrs Driscoll, Mrs de la Coze and Miss Guiver who helped and supported the children at the rehearsals and performance.

The choir are now learning carols to sing at the Mayor’s Carol Concert on Wednesday 10^th December at 7.00pm, again in Wantage Parish Church.