Serious Enjoyment: YPC, Musica Youth Orchestra & GSAL Chamber Choir Shine in Wakefield

On Saturday 8th November, the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir joined forces with the Musica Youth Orchestra and the Chamber Choir of the Grammar School at Leeds to perform The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins.

These few photographs from the afternoon rehearsal and evening performance give a flavour of the day but nothing could capture being in the moment of such a unique production.

Our accompanist, Alex Woodrow summed it up beautifully in his post:

"Massive congratulations to the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir for singing so very well tonight. However, Thom's and the YPC's masterstroke was bringing on board the young musicians of the Kirklees-based Musica Youth Orchestra, as well as the Chamber Choir of the Grammar School at Leeds, to combine forces in the Jenkins. It is easy to turn your nose up at this piece, and yes, there is a fair degree of copy and paste, but also some profound and effective moments: some devastating ones, but also some hopeful and life-affirming ones. To see dozens of talented young people making music together in Wakefield Cathedral, with serious enjoyment tonight was very special indeed. The future of music making in West Yorkshire is healthy indeed. Congrats to all involved, and here's to serious enjoyment!"

The YPC also performed Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living, a new work to the choir which gave opportunities for beautiful lyrical singing as well as the energetic "Vanitas Vanitum". The "Agnus Dei" was particularly moving, with the beautiful voice of soprano soloist Clare Wheat soaring above the choir so powerfully yet with great tenderness. It was a pleasure to hear Gary Morley step forward from the choir as the tenor soloist in the final movement. Brilliant organ playing by Alex Woodrow combined with the excellent musicianship of the octet underpinned the whole performance so powerfully to complete a wonderful musical experience.

A fantastic day of music making!

Our heartfelt thanks go to our inspirational Musical Director, Thom Meredith, whose visionary programming brought together two powerful choral works in a truly memorable performance. His creative leadership not only shaped an exceptional musical journey but also provided a remarkable opportunity for singers and musicians of all ages to share in the joy of making music together.