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Choir tour to Venice
At the beginning of August, the Abbey Choir went on tour to Venice to sing Mass at St Mark's Basilica. They also gave concerts at the impressive Benedictine monastery just over the Grand Canal from St Mark's Square (San Giorgio Maggiore) and on the island of Murano, world famous for its coloured glassware.
Around forty singers and a further twenty accompanying guests, made the trip all under the guidance of our Monastery Choirmaster, Fr David, and our Abbey Director of Music, Ed Dean.
Among the pieces performed were Gabrieli's eight-part Jubilate Deo, pieces by Maurice Duruflé, Pearsall (his eight-part Tu es Petrus) and Rachmaninoff (excerpts from the 'All-Night Vigil'). Dom Thomas Symons' haunting Ave Maria enjoyed its Italian premiere during the concert at San Giorgio Maggiore where a moving performance of it was honoured with great applause.
