St. George's Church, Beckenham BR3 1AX
Britten Saint Nicolas
Finzi, Magnificat
Finzi, Dies Natalis (excerpt)
and other works
Conductor: Mark Griffiths
Featuring the Taplow Girls' Choir
and St Paul's Sinfonia
Luke Price, Tenor | Aeron Preston, Piano | Gus Tredwell, Piano |
Herman Joordan, Organ
In our 2026-27 season we are delighted to celebrate 10 years under the leadership of our wonderful and gifted Musical Director and Conductor Mark Griffiths. During this time choir membership has grown, our repertoire has broadened, and there has been a distinct improvement in the quality of our singing. The sell-out concerts over the past two seasons suggest that you, our audience, may also be appreciative of these enhancements!As our season opener, we celebrate two more anniversaries, 50 years and 75 years respectively since the deaths of Benjamin Britten and Gerald Finzi. For this concert we join once again with St Paul’s Sinfonia, and are especially pleased to welcome the Taplow Girls’ Choir, led by none other than our MD’s mother, Gillian Dibden. As well as taking on the Britten, Taplow Girls will also perform a selection of short pieces.
Our principal work is a dramatic choral cantata chronicling the life of the legendary Saint Nicolas. With vivid storytelling, bold musical contrasts and vibrant community spirit, Britten conjures up a storm at sea, miraculous resurrections and an episcopal enthronement, moving from joyful exuberance to the peaceful acceptance of his final days.
Premiered in 1948 at the inaugural Aldeburgh Festival, the role of Nicolas was created for Britten’s life partner Peter Pears. We are delighted to welcome back tenor Luke Price to take on this complex and deeply human role.
Finzi’s powerful and expressive Magnificat blends a rich English pastoral lyricism with surprisingly dramatic force, concluding with an exquisitely radiant Amen. Salutation, the soaring last movement of his Dies Natalis, culminates in a timeless stillness and grace.
Tickets
Tickets are £23 (nave) and £18 (aisle seats). The price of the ticket includes a free drink and a copy of the concert programme. Tickets are available online and also on the door on the day of the concert from 6.15pm.Please note that cash will no longer be accepted for tickets sold on concert night at the church. All tickets will need to be bought using a bank/credit card.
Concessions: £5 tickets available for anyone in full-time education. Please contact boxoffice@beckenhamchorale.org.uk for conditions and how to book before trying to make an online booking.
Booking opens Tuesday, 13 October 2026
We recommend booking your tickets online to avoid disappointment – we have sold out of tickets several times recently. Would you like a reminder? Subscribe to our mailing list and we will send you an e-mail when booking opens.
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