In the last week between RCS exams and being housebound by the snow, I had the wonderful chance to perform again with the Philharmonia Chorus on another tour to the Nouveau Siècle, Lille. The repertoire of Poulenc’s Sept Répons de Ténèbres and Rossini’s glorious Stabat Mater filled the halls with bittersweet triumph, following the sudden death of the chorus’ beloved master, Stefan Bevier in January. This is the first concert performed since his passing and his energy and pure musicality was greatly missed. However, we were also very honoured to be conducted by the superb Nicholas Jenkins who brought a lot of hope, joy and sheer love for the music into every rehearsal.
