Dramatic time for Harpenden Choral Society

Two of Dvorak’s most dramatic sacred and secular works are being performed by Harpenden Choral Society next Saturday, March 22.

Originally composed as a commission to mark the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America, the Te Deum was conducted at its first performance by Dvorak himself before taking up his post as the new director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City.

While it marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the United States, the Te Deum retains a distinctly Bohemian flavour.

The other work, The Spectre’s Bride, tells the chilling story of a young girl’s seduction, abduction and a midnight run to a marriage with Death, disguised as the ghost of her lover.

Fleeing into the night on the promise of future happiness, it is only the intervention of the Virgin Mother that reveals Death’s deception at the cemetery gates and saves the maiden from her grave.

The Spectre’s Bride is ranked amongst Dvorak’s most popular works with audiences of his day, and its dark Gothic charm still appeals to audience’s today.

The concert at 7.30pm at the High Street Methodist Church is conducted by John Andrews and features the King’s Sinfonietta.

Tickets at £15 adults and £5 students and children can be obtained via www.harpendenchoralsociety.org, box office manager Tricia Beavis on 01582 419379 or tickets@harpendenchoralsociety.org