Community music day announced at Arundel Cathedral

Cumnor House Sussex, is excited to launch a brand new community initiative with a large-scale performance of Britten's hugely popular community opera Noye's Fludde (Noah's Flood) taking place on Saturday 4th March 2023 at the majestic Arundel Cathedral.

 

Presented by the school’s new Director of Music, Matt Jelf, Cumnor will be bringing together professional and amateur musicians (children and adults) from across the country for an intensive one-day community music event. They are currently recruiting SATB voices and orchestral musicians from current pupils, Cumnor alumni and the wider Sussex community. The work features choir, chamber orchestra, recorder ensemble, Bb bugle band, organ, piano, and orchestral percussion. Even the audience have a part to play as congregational singers!

Completed in 1957 and based on the biblical story of Noah and the Ark, Noye’s Fludde is Britten’s most extended and elaborate work for children, and tailored to both amateur and professional performers. “We are thrilled that three professional opera singers will be joining us to lead our performance - baritone Alex Ashworth as Noye, mezzo-soprano Jessica Gillingwater as Noye's wife, and internationally renowned bass Sir John Tomlinson CBE as the Voice of God,” comments Matt.

The initiative is proving hugely popular, with professional soloists already confirmed including selected girl choristers from Arundel Cathedral. Elizabeth Stratford, Organist and Master of the Choristers at Arundel Cathedral comments, “I’m delighted that Noye's Fludde will take place in Arundel Cathedral, bringing together many community musicians and singers. It is a wonderful opportunity for our choristers to gain rare and valuable experience of working with an orchestra and professional soloists. Some of our senior choristers will be afforded the opportunity to take on smaller solo roles. We are all immensely excited to be taking part”.

The project is open to all who wish to play or sing along and audience tickets will be free. “Cumnor is proud to be supporting this dynamic initiative that not only makes musical performance accessible to children, but also gives us the opportunity to connect as a wider community,” comments Fergus Llewellyn, Head at Cumnor House Sussex.

If you are interested in participating, please do contact Matt Jelf, Director of Music at Cumnor House Sussex on mjelf@cumnor.co.uk as soon as possible, including details of your instrument and voice type as well as your contact details.

17.10.22