Seimon Morris and the Tempus Vocal Group gave an outstanding performance at this year's opening festival concert.
For the large audience at St. Johns, there were many special moments in the Vocal Group's first performance of Karl Jenkins's Requiem. It had been premiered in Southwark Cathedral in June, establishing for Karl a place in Classic FM's Hall of Fame.
The Requiem is dedicated to his late father and is based on the traditional movements of the Latin Requiem. Karl also drew on the five Haiku 'Death Poems.' The symbol of water being synonymous with life. The singing and accompanying instrumentation, including two young flautists, made the performance both easy hearing as well as making a profound impact. The audience was deeply moved and elated, too, by Seimon Morris's conducting of his singers, including many young people. What a privilege to be present.
After the interval, Vivaldi and Mozart followed William Mathias's setting of two Welsh folksongs. In contrast, our spirits soared as they performed a selection of Pop Classics. We enjoyed the verve and felt exhilarated, as we became involved. It almost became a party.
A cracking performance!
This opening concert enhances the festival's reputation for high standards from local musicians and encouraging contemporary music blending with the familiar and other art forms in our outreach in this area. Our many visitors to the festival applaud the festival programme and return again each year knowing they are among friends. How fortunate we are in Tenby to share in this festival. C.L.