2023 Spring Concert
Saturday 1st April 2023
Ashton Hall
George Street, Lancaster LA1 1PJ
Ashton Hall
George Street, Lancaster LA1 1PJ
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A huge welcome to you from Lancaster and District Choral Society. For our Spring Concert
We invite you to join us for this special musical celebration The Creationby
Joseph Haydn *** 
*** Conductor - John Perrin with Chamber Orchestra Leader: Beverly Harrison Professional Soloists: Caroline Behan (Soprano) Christopher Steele (Tenor) replaced Samuel Knock (Tenor) Samuel Snowden (Baritone) and our own soloist Emily Dawkin (Alto) *** |
Ashton Hall - Location 
Click to open A4 pdf Poster
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The oratorio depicts and celebrates the creation of the world as described in the Book of Genesis.
There seems little doubt that Haydn wanted a big sound (by the standard of his day) for his work. Between the private premieres for nobles and the public premiere in 1799, Haydn added extra instrumental parts to the work. The forces for the public premiere numbered about 120 instrumentalists and 60 singers. We may be a little smaller!
There seems little doubt that Haydn wanted a big sound (by the standard of his day) for his work. Between the private premieres for nobles and the public premiere in 1799, Haydn added extra instrumental parts to the work. The forces for the public premiere numbered about 120 instrumentalists and 60 singers. We may be a little smaller!
The first public performance was held in Vienna at the old Burgtheater on 19 March 1799. The oratorio was published with the text in German and English in 1800.
In Parts I and II of the work, the three soloists represent angels who narrate and comment on the successive six days of creation: Gabriel (soprano), Uriel (tenor), and Raphael (bass). Part III introduces as characters the first man and first woman of the Bible, Adam and Eve, during the time they spent in the Garden of Eden before the Fall (a term used in Christianity to describe the transition of the first man and woman from a state of innocent obedience to God to a state of guilty disobedience).
The choral singers are employed in a series of monumental choruses, several of them celebrating the end of one particular day of creation.
The orchestra often plays alone, notably in the episodes of tone painting (the musical technique of composing music that reflects the literal meaning of a song's lyrics or story): the appearance of the sun, the creation of various beasts, and above all in the overture, the famous depiction of the Chaos before the creation.
In Parts I and II of the work, the three soloists represent angels who narrate and comment on the successive six days of creation: Gabriel (soprano), Uriel (tenor), and Raphael (bass). Part III introduces as characters the first man and first woman of the Bible, Adam and Eve, during the time they spent in the Garden of Eden before the Fall (a term used in Christianity to describe the transition of the first man and woman from a state of innocent obedience to God to a state of guilty disobedience).
The choral singers are employed in a series of monumental choruses, several of them celebrating the end of one particular day of creation.
The orchestra often plays alone, notably in the episodes of tone painting (the musical technique of composing music that reflects the literal meaning of a song's lyrics or story): the appearance of the sun, the creation of various beasts, and above all in the overture, the famous depiction of the Chaos before the creation.
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We look forward to singing in your company once again.
We look forward to singing in your company once again.
Our soloists
Caroline Behan soprano
Caroline, a native of Kill, Co. Kildare is currently a postgraduate student at the Royal Northern College of Music studying with Elizabeth Ritchie, where she is generously supported by the N.W. Award. In 2022 Caroline graduated with Distinction from the master’s in music performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where she studied with Mary Brennan and répétiteur, Dearbhla Collins.
In 2021 Caroline was awarded 3rd Place in the Irené Sandford Award and was the inaugural winner of the Song Prize at the Northern Ireland Opera Festival of Voice. Caroline is also the 2020 winner of the RIAM Gaiety Bursary. Her operatic roles include Humpty Dumpty/Dormouse (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Will Todd), Venus (King Arthur – Purcell), Serpina (La Serva Padrona - Pergolesi), Giunone (La Calisto - Cavalli) and Damigiella (Alcina - Caccini). Caroline has also performed with the chorus of Irish National Opera in several of their productions.
In 2017 Caroline was awarded a scholarship to travel to Milan to perform in the Bassi Brugnatelli International Singing and Conducting Symposium where she performed with a chamber group from La Scala Opera House. Caroline is also a previous winner of the ‘Best Performance of an Art Song in English‘ at the Irené Sandford Competition at RIAM and was a 2018 recipient of a Count John McCormack Society Award at their annual ‘Evening of Song‘ at the Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin. Caroline has also performed as part of the ESB Feis Ceoil’s “Young Platform Series” at the National Concert Hall, Dublin.
Caroline Behan appears by kind permission of the RNCM
Caroline, a native of Kill, Co. Kildare is currently a postgraduate student at the Royal Northern College of Music studying with Elizabeth Ritchie, where she is generously supported by the N.W. Award. In 2022 Caroline graduated with Distinction from the master’s in music performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where she studied with Mary Brennan and répétiteur, Dearbhla Collins.
In 2021 Caroline was awarded 3rd Place in the Irené Sandford Award and was the inaugural winner of the Song Prize at the Northern Ireland Opera Festival of Voice. Caroline is also the 2020 winner of the RIAM Gaiety Bursary. Her operatic roles include Humpty Dumpty/Dormouse (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Will Todd), Venus (King Arthur – Purcell), Serpina (La Serva Padrona - Pergolesi), Giunone (La Calisto - Cavalli) and Damigiella (Alcina - Caccini). Caroline has also performed with the chorus of Irish National Opera in several of their productions.
In 2017 Caroline was awarded a scholarship to travel to Milan to perform in the Bassi Brugnatelli International Singing and Conducting Symposium where she performed with a chamber group from La Scala Opera House. Caroline is also a previous winner of the ‘Best Performance of an Art Song in English‘ at the Irené Sandford Competition at RIAM and was a 2018 recipient of a Count John McCormack Society Award at their annual ‘Evening of Song‘ at the Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin. Caroline has also performed as part of the ESB Feis Ceoil’s “Young Platform Series” at the National Concert Hall, Dublin.
Caroline Behan appears by kind permission of the RNCM
Christopher Steele tenor
Many thanks to Christopher for stepping in at the last minute to replace Sam Knock. Sam was unable to attend due to illness.
Christopher took a BSc in Geology before working in the choruses of Opera Australia and the Victorian State Opera. He was awarded an ABRSM International Scholarship to study at the Opera Course of the Royal College of Music and then studied at The National Opera Studio, sponsored by English National Opera and the Bowerman Charitable Trust.
At RCM he studied with Dr Neil Mackie and sang Florville in Signor Bruschino; Tom in The Rakes Progress, and Ottavio in Don Giovanni (dir. John Copley, cond. Sir Colin Davis). He was also the recipient of the Irina Baronova prize for the year's best operatic performance for Tom Rakewell.
Christopher also worked in masterclass with Sir Thomas Allen, Sarah Walker CBE and Richard Van Allen. He was fortunate to study roles and song cycles with many leading tenors such as Philip Langridge CBE, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Ryland Davies, Robert Tear and Denis O'Neill.
In Opera he performed small principal roles and understudied lead roles for The Royal Opera, Welsh National Opera, English National Opera and Opera North, including several UK and world premiere contemporary opera performances for ROH2 and Music Theatre Wales.
Christopher also sang leading roles for many UK and European operatic touring companies; notably in La Boheme, The Pearl Fishers, Die Zauberflote, La Cenerentola, The Tales of Hoffman, Eugene Onegin, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Don Giovanni, The Turn of the Screw.
Major oratorio highlights included; Handel's Messiah in Festival Hall and Bridgewater Hall; Haydn's Creation in the Royal Albert Hall with Sir David Willcocks; Bach's St John and St Matthew Passions; Mozart's Requiem Mass, Mass in C minor and Coronation Mass; Verdi's Requiem Mass; Finzi's Dies Natalis and Intimations of Immortality, Britten's St Nicolas.He continues to sing in Oratorio around the UK is represented by Ann Ferrier Artists.
Following advanced pedagogical studies with Kenneth L Nielsen and Manny Lujan, Christopher turned his career toward the teaching of voice and now has a busy schedule of teaching at his studio in Lancaster and at Sedbergh School and Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Christopher also enjoys performing western European song repertoire in recital, most recently recently performing a programme of Italian, French, German and English song with Peter Noke for the Sedbergh Festival and for Lancaster Priory.
He also enjoys the many golf courses of the Lancashire/Cumbria border region.
Many thanks to Christopher for stepping in at the last minute to replace Sam Knock. Sam was unable to attend due to illness.
Christopher took a BSc in Geology before working in the choruses of Opera Australia and the Victorian State Opera. He was awarded an ABRSM International Scholarship to study at the Opera Course of the Royal College of Music and then studied at The National Opera Studio, sponsored by English National Opera and the Bowerman Charitable Trust.
At RCM he studied with Dr Neil Mackie and sang Florville in Signor Bruschino; Tom in The Rakes Progress, and Ottavio in Don Giovanni (dir. John Copley, cond. Sir Colin Davis). He was also the recipient of the Irina Baronova prize for the year's best operatic performance for Tom Rakewell.
Christopher also worked in masterclass with Sir Thomas Allen, Sarah Walker CBE and Richard Van Allen. He was fortunate to study roles and song cycles with many leading tenors such as Philip Langridge CBE, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Ryland Davies, Robert Tear and Denis O'Neill.
In Opera he performed small principal roles and understudied lead roles for The Royal Opera, Welsh National Opera, English National Opera and Opera North, including several UK and world premiere contemporary opera performances for ROH2 and Music Theatre Wales.
Christopher also sang leading roles for many UK and European operatic touring companies; notably in La Boheme, The Pearl Fishers, Die Zauberflote, La Cenerentola, The Tales of Hoffman, Eugene Onegin, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Don Giovanni, The Turn of the Screw.
Major oratorio highlights included; Handel's Messiah in Festival Hall and Bridgewater Hall; Haydn's Creation in the Royal Albert Hall with Sir David Willcocks; Bach's St John and St Matthew Passions; Mozart's Requiem Mass, Mass in C minor and Coronation Mass; Verdi's Requiem Mass; Finzi's Dies Natalis and Intimations of Immortality, Britten's St Nicolas.He continues to sing in Oratorio around the UK is represented by Ann Ferrier Artists.
Following advanced pedagogical studies with Kenneth L Nielsen and Manny Lujan, Christopher turned his career toward the teaching of voice and now has a busy schedule of teaching at his studio in Lancaster and at Sedbergh School and Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Christopher also enjoys performing western European song repertoire in recital, most recently recently performing a programme of Italian, French, German and English song with Peter Noke for the Sedbergh Festival and for Lancaster Priory.
He also enjoys the many golf courses of the Lancashire/Cumbria border region.
Sam Knock tenor
Based in Manchester since 2016, Sam has studied under Peter Wilson at the Royal Northern College of Music for both a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Studies, and a Master of Music in Performance and Vocal Pedagogy. Most recently, Sam has been in Norway, performing with both the Edward Grieg Kor & Bergen National Opera, in performances of Delius Mass of Life and Mozart’s Magic Flute. He will also be appearing in Wagner’s Parsifal in January of 2023. Prior to this he has spent the last two summers in the Chorus of The Grange Festival, in performances of Puccini’s Manon Lescaut and Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady and in last season’s Verdi’s Macbeth, and Gilbert & Sullivan’s Yeoman of the Guard. Alongside his career as a freelance singer, Sam is a Singing Teacher based in the North West, and has recently been appointed as a teacher at Yorkshire Young Musicians, a gifted and talented programme for aspiring musicians based in Leeds.
Prior to graduating he played the roles of Rooster & Mr Pasek in RNCM’s performance of Cunning Little Vixen by Janacek. During his undergraduate study he played the roles of Mr Rushworth in Mansfield Park (Dove), Wordly Glory and Tenor Solo in Pilgrim’s Progress (R.V.Williams), Baron Kronthal in Der Wildschutz (Lortzing: RNCM Opera Scenes) and covered the roles of L’Aumonier in Dialogue des Carmelites (Poulenc), and The Interpreter in Pilgrim’s Progress (R.V Williams). Outside college activities, Sam has performed and recorded a step-out role & Chorus in Peter Grimes, and performed in the chorus of Berlioz Requiem, both with Bergen National Opera, Philharmonic Chorus & Orchestra, alongside the Edward Grieg Kor. Alongside his operatic work, he was also the Music Director and performer in a lower male voice sextet, Project6.
Before moving to Manchester, Sam spent two years as a Choral Scholar at Norwich Cathedral, where he participated in several tours, high-profile concerts, and CD recordings alongside being a founding member of barbershop group, Close Encounters. Sam’s studies were generously supported by the RNCM and The William and Frances Dobie Charitable Foundation.
Sam Knock appears by kind permission of the RNCM.
Based in Manchester since 2016, Sam has studied under Peter Wilson at the Royal Northern College of Music for both a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Studies, and a Master of Music in Performance and Vocal Pedagogy. Most recently, Sam has been in Norway, performing with both the Edward Grieg Kor & Bergen National Opera, in performances of Delius Mass of Life and Mozart’s Magic Flute. He will also be appearing in Wagner’s Parsifal in January of 2023. Prior to this he has spent the last two summers in the Chorus of The Grange Festival, in performances of Puccini’s Manon Lescaut and Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady and in last season’s Verdi’s Macbeth, and Gilbert & Sullivan’s Yeoman of the Guard. Alongside his career as a freelance singer, Sam is a Singing Teacher based in the North West, and has recently been appointed as a teacher at Yorkshire Young Musicians, a gifted and talented programme for aspiring musicians based in Leeds.
Prior to graduating he played the roles of Rooster & Mr Pasek in RNCM’s performance of Cunning Little Vixen by Janacek. During his undergraduate study he played the roles of Mr Rushworth in Mansfield Park (Dove), Wordly Glory and Tenor Solo in Pilgrim’s Progress (R.V.Williams), Baron Kronthal in Der Wildschutz (Lortzing: RNCM Opera Scenes) and covered the roles of L’Aumonier in Dialogue des Carmelites (Poulenc), and The Interpreter in Pilgrim’s Progress (R.V Williams). Outside college activities, Sam has performed and recorded a step-out role & Chorus in Peter Grimes, and performed in the chorus of Berlioz Requiem, both with Bergen National Opera, Philharmonic Chorus & Orchestra, alongside the Edward Grieg Kor. Alongside his operatic work, he was also the Music Director and performer in a lower male voice sextet, Project6.
Before moving to Manchester, Sam spent two years as a Choral Scholar at Norwich Cathedral, where he participated in several tours, high-profile concerts, and CD recordings alongside being a founding member of barbershop group, Close Encounters. Sam’s studies were generously supported by the RNCM and The William and Frances Dobie Charitable Foundation.
Sam Knock appears by kind permission of the RNCM.
Samuel Snowden baritone
Samuel Snowden is a Welsh Baritone recently graduating with Distinction in his Master of Music from the Royal Northern College of Music. Samuel’s operatic credits include Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro: Mozart – RNCM Opera), Luiz (The Gondoliers: Gilbert and Sullivan – Forbear! Theatre), Mr Gobineau (The Medium: Menotti – RNCM Opera) Sergeant Meryll (The Yeomen of the Guard: Gilbert and Sullivan – Forbear! Theatre), Minskman (Flight: Dove – RNCM Opera), Samuel (Pirates of Penzance: Gilbert and Sullivan – RNCM Opera), Demas (The Pilgrims Progress: Vaughn-Williams – RNCM Opera) and chorus roles in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin (Opera Holland Park) Massenet’s Cendrillon, Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, Handel’s Theodora (RNCM Opera) and Bizet’s Carmen (Llangollen Eisteddfod). In 2018 Samuel joined the chorus of Opera North in the UK premier of Kevin Puts Silent Night which was met with critical acclaim.
As a soloist, Samuel regularly performs in venues across Wales and the North West. Recently he has performed Haydn’s Nelson Mass, Bach’s B Minor Mass, Faure’s Requiem, Stainer’s Crucifixion and Nielsen’s Third Symphony, Sinfonia Espasiva. In August 2018 Samuel performed in the first collaboration between the National Youth Choir and Orchestra of Wales, under the baton of Maestro Carlo Rizzi, performing the bass solo in Bernstein’s Chicester Psalms. Samuel performed at the World Premier of Karl Jenkins’ Adiemus Colores at Llangollen International Eisteddfod.
Samuel is also a founding member, regular soloist and language coach for Welsh male voice choir, Johns’ Boys, conducted by award winning conductor Aled Philips, taking to the stage across the United Kingdom and across Europe. In 2019 Samuel and Johns’ Boys won the title of ‘Choir of the World’ at Llangollen International Eisteddfod and featured at the Last Night of the Proms 2021.
In 2020, Samuel was awarded the Sir John Manduell Prize by the RNCM, recognising exceptional work undertaken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Samuel raised £1500 for the Unbeatable Eva campaign by singing live on Facebook every night for 150 days with his family and also volunteered with PPE Hwb Wrecsam creating face visors for members of the local community.
Samuel Snowden appears by kind permission of the RNCM.
Samuel Snowden is a Welsh Baritone recently graduating with Distinction in his Master of Music from the Royal Northern College of Music. Samuel’s operatic credits include Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro: Mozart – RNCM Opera), Luiz (The Gondoliers: Gilbert and Sullivan – Forbear! Theatre), Mr Gobineau (The Medium: Menotti – RNCM Opera) Sergeant Meryll (The Yeomen of the Guard: Gilbert and Sullivan – Forbear! Theatre), Minskman (Flight: Dove – RNCM Opera), Samuel (Pirates of Penzance: Gilbert and Sullivan – RNCM Opera), Demas (The Pilgrims Progress: Vaughn-Williams – RNCM Opera) and chorus roles in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin (Opera Holland Park) Massenet’s Cendrillon, Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, Handel’s Theodora (RNCM Opera) and Bizet’s Carmen (Llangollen Eisteddfod). In 2018 Samuel joined the chorus of Opera North in the UK premier of Kevin Puts Silent Night which was met with critical acclaim.
As a soloist, Samuel regularly performs in venues across Wales and the North West. Recently he has performed Haydn’s Nelson Mass, Bach’s B Minor Mass, Faure’s Requiem, Stainer’s Crucifixion and Nielsen’s Third Symphony, Sinfonia Espasiva. In August 2018 Samuel performed in the first collaboration between the National Youth Choir and Orchestra of Wales, under the baton of Maestro Carlo Rizzi, performing the bass solo in Bernstein’s Chicester Psalms. Samuel performed at the World Premier of Karl Jenkins’ Adiemus Colores at Llangollen International Eisteddfod.
Samuel is also a founding member, regular soloist and language coach for Welsh male voice choir, Johns’ Boys, conducted by award winning conductor Aled Philips, taking to the stage across the United Kingdom and across Europe. In 2019 Samuel and Johns’ Boys won the title of ‘Choir of the World’ at Llangollen International Eisteddfod and featured at the Last Night of the Proms 2021.
In 2020, Samuel was awarded the Sir John Manduell Prize by the RNCM, recognising exceptional work undertaken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Samuel raised £1500 for the Unbeatable Eva campaign by singing live on Facebook every night for 150 days with his family and also volunteered with PPE Hwb Wrecsam creating face visors for members of the local community.
Samuel Snowden appears by kind permission of the RNCM.
RNCM - ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC
The RNCM is a leading international conservatoire located in the heart of Manchester, with a reputation for attracting talented students, teachers, conductors and composers from all over the world.
Now in its fifth decade, the RNCM is relatively young, but its rich history spans back to 1893 when Sir Charles Hallé founded the Royal Manchester College of Music. In 1973, this institution merged with the Northern School of Music, and the RNCM was born. Today, the College is a thriving conservatoire with around 320 teaching staff and over 900 students from nearly 60 different countries.
www.rncm.ac.uk/
The RNCM is a leading international conservatoire located in the heart of Manchester, with a reputation for attracting talented students, teachers, conductors and composers from all over the world.
Now in its fifth decade, the RNCM is relatively young, but its rich history spans back to 1893 when Sir Charles Hallé founded the Royal Manchester College of Music. In 1973, this institution merged with the Northern School of Music, and the RNCM was born. Today, the College is a thriving conservatoire with around 320 teaching staff and over 900 students from nearly 60 different countries.
www.rncm.ac.uk/
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