Stabat Mater
On Saturday 15th February, Vox Anima Chamber Choir brought a moment of emotional reflection to its audience, performing Kim André Arnesen’s Stabat Mater at St Luke’s Church in Tunbridge Wells.
It was the first time the Choir had performed in this venue - at the kind invitation of Rev David Green - and the singers were made to feel extremely welcome by David and the church community as they spent the afternoon in rehearsals. The space was used not only to stage an accomplished performance, but the Choir was able to spend time reflecting upon how this extraordinary setting of the Stabat Mater has evolved throughout the rehearsal process over the previous weeks and months. Members of the Choir discussed how they had related to the music - for some of them, it was in quite unexpected ways. Whether it was connection through the sensitive interpretation by Music Director James Meaders, through fully immersing themselves in the piece in private rehearsal or through their individual connections to particular movements, there was a collective sense that the music brought them uniquely together. This ethos of connecting with each other through music is what the Choir always endeavour to pass on to their audiences, and was truly evident throughout the concert on Saturday.
The Stabat Mater was beautifully interspersed with tender and nuanced interludes of Chopin’s Prelude in E Minor played by Richard Hammond-Hall, creating moments of peace which allowed the audience time to reflect upon the themes of the music. The Choir seamlessly moved positions around the church, emotively surrounding soloist Hannah Pinney-Thomson as she sang ‘What are Children to the Lord?’, culminating in an engaging and immersive experience for all. Feedback from audience members showed the concert was a resounding success, and particularly wonderful impressions were made upon those who were hearing the Choir for the first time.
Special thanks go out to Rev David Green and all at St Luke’s (who welcomed Vox Anima Chamber Choir with open arms and provided a wonderful spread of refreshments), Richard Hammond-Hall for his committed and sensitive collaboration, Music Director James Meaders, and soloists Laura Fowler and Hannah Pinney-Thomson.
