In Terra Pax

King’s College Chapel – Saturday 4th December 2021

The joy of being part of the audience at Amici’s first live concert for almost two years was matched only by the joy of the musicians and singers, performing – at last – for a real audience!

“Et in Terra Pax” (And on Earth, Peace) was the winter offering by Musical Directors Andrew Trewhella and Gareth Dayus-Jones at King’s College Taunton on 4th December, performed to a capacity audience – insofar as social distancing allowed.  The atmospheric King’s College Chapel, simply lit and seasonally decorated, offered the perfect location for a concert which offered space for hope and contemplation.

Faure’s music opened the concert, beginning with one of his early works, the lovely “Cantique de Jean Racine” followed by his “Messe de Requiem”, so well known and loved.  Faure wanted to write about rest, the pure meaning of requiem; he wanted to present a serene and comforting composition which would calm, not worry, the listener.  Amici did this with huge style and tenderness, accompanied by superb players from the Bristol Ensemble, John Young on the organ and Sioned Williams on harp.

“A Ceremony of Carols” by Benjamin Britten is a hugely popular seasonal piece and one which clearly delighted the audience.  Well known, the “Carols” are largely the product of 15th and 16th century writers, telling the story, in old English, of the birth of the Christ Child.  The women of the Amici choir, accompanied by Sioned’s remarkably poignant harp, thrilled all in the Chapel, for the purity and simplicity of their voices and Sioned’s unique flair and individuality, honed in a lifetime of distinguished music making across the world.

The concert’s title, “In Terra Pax”, now gave us Gerald Finzi’s account of the angels’ appearance to the shepherds.  He described the piece as “being seen by a wanderer on a dark and frosty Christmas Eve in our own familiar landscape”.  This setting was indeed calm and contemplative, just the perfect theme for the evening.

“What Sweeter Music” by John Rutter ended Amici’s concert in a warm and well known way, leaving us in no doubt that music can lift our souls and hearts – even in these strange times.  It is a credit to Amici and all the musicians connected with tonight’s concert that we certainly went out into the chilly, dark December night feeling uplifted and sustained.  Thank you Amici!

Pauline Homeshaw