Competition!

Competition week is upon us. We haven’t even performed yet and already we’re having an amazing week.

It kicked off with the Talis Scholars’ 2000th concert, conducted as ever by Peter Phillips, which featured a mass by Sheppard (we are singing his sublime Salva Nos, Libera Nos I – if we reach the final that is), Ave dei partis filia by Gabriel Jackson (the competition’s featured composer if you like) and three motets by Byrd including the epic Infelix Ego.

Here’s a review (the review is rightly positive – it was a wonderful concert – though I am surprised quite how much praise he pours on the surprise encore, Stanford’s The Bluebird).

Afterwards there was a reception at which we met some members of fellow competing choir, Sansara. We are in different heats so we’re allowed to be friends 😉

On day 2, Epiphoni were given a masterclass by Ghislaine Morgan and Peter Phillips, an experience which was worth participation in the whole event, all on its own. So many insights into how to make an even more beautiful noise; at the same time pleasingly complimentary about us.

A selection of us went to sit in on the lunchtime performance of the Templar Scholars and later the workshop with Schola Cantorum of The Vaughan, both of which were enlightening experiences each in different ways.

And onwards. Tomorrow is our own recital, and first competitive performance.