Holy Week in Pontllanfraith
moves from Olivet to Calvary
For some years during Holy Week, it has been the custom to present an evening of sacred music at St Augustine’s Church, Pontllanfraith, in the Benefice of Mynyddislwyn. On Palm Sunday 2009, this tradition of high quality church music was maintained by the performance of ‘Olivet to Calvary’ by St Augustine’s Mixed Choir.
‘Olivet to Calvary’ composed by J H Maunder, re-tells in a vivd and moving sequence of arias and choruses, the sufferings, persecutions and eventual crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is a work of gripping impact and is full of deep and meaningful music and was performed with confidence and fervour by the choir and soloists.
The inspiration to perform this taxing musical event came from the choir’s Musical Director, Wendy Windsor, who has wide experience in the church music repertoire. Wendy is also the organist and musical director at St Augustine’s. During the eight weeks leading up to the performance, the choir were kept to a regular series of practices.
The success of the performance was evidenced by a near capacity congregation who listened with due attention throughout the running time of approximately eighty minutes. The main soloists were Norman Windsor (tenor), Revd Terence Coleman (baritone), Laurence Coleman (tenor), Ann Reynolds (soprano), and Wendy Windsor (soprano). Other musical contributions were provided by Tony Dash, Esther Toms, and John Wigley.
At the close of the performance, the congregation and choir joined together to sing the hymn And can it be?
Revd Terry Coleman