Forthcoming Concert
Dido and Aeneas
7.30pm, Saturday 28th November 2026
St. Swithins Church, The Paragon, Bath, BA1 5LY
Join us for an evening of sumptuous music by Henry Purcell. In a first for The Handful Chamber Choir, we will be presenting his opera Dido and Aeneas in a semi-staged performance at St Swithin’s in central Bath.
A tale of doomed love (amid sailors and meddling witches) in ancient Carthage, it has remained Purcell’s most lasting and beloved work. We will also perform the Birthday Ode for Queen Mary II, Come ye sons of arts, in a reconstruction of its likely original version, as well as instrumental music from The Fairy Queen.
A stellar cast of guest singers and early music ensemble Lilium Convallium join The Handful for this special evening.
Dame Emma Kirkby, 2026
I had a great time with the Handful and Vicente this summer, sharing Dowland's marvellous Ayres with, I think, exactly the kind of singers he had in mind when he published his First Book - highly accomplished lovers of music and words, happy to sing as soloists or in Dowland's magical four part versions.
Their enthusiasm and vitality were infectious and in the perfect venue that is the Wiltshire music centre I felt lucky to listen and, from time to time, join in!
Review
David Roberts - December 2024
Review of Handful Chamber Choir Concert
In Terra Pax
Christ Church, Julian Road, Bath
Saturday 7th December 2024
“A breath-taking performance from Bath’s leading chamber choir.”
The Handful echoed the warmth of winter with ‘In Terra Pax’ at their Christ Church debut. This breath-taking performance, from Bath’s leading chamber choir, proved to be a highlight of the season. The impressive programming of music demonstrated the exceptional and diverse abilities of the choir, its singers and conductor. Musical Director Vicente Chavarria complemented the music with thoughtful and contextual interjections that informed and interacted with the audience. Peter King accompanied the choir sensitively demonstrating the sonorous colours of the organ in perfect harmony with his absolute versatility. The choir were joined by soprano Josephine Goddard whose soaring voice of sublime purity resonated throughout the church. Dominic Felts’ silky tone depicted lustrous and perfectly formed vowels capped with delicate consonants.
Throughout the concert, The Handful seamlessly transitioned from Pearsall to Poulenc, showcasing multifarious rhythms and textural heterogeneity with intricate and dynamic contrast. The tangible and certain harmonies oscillated around the room, touching your heart, and stirring your soul. A fundamental empathy of intonation was revealed by soloists from within the choir, whose exemplary competence embodied the essence of lyricism. A myriad of choruses embarked the audience on a romantic journey from The Christ Child to a quintessential English scene, concluding with a ‘Party in Paris.’ This glorious evening of music voyaged from country to country, painting a beautiful and evocative evening where time stood still.
David Roberts
