Our first Spring Concert of the new millennium consisted entirely of a performance of Vaughan Williams' "A Sea Symphony".

Throughout his life, Ralph Vaughan Williams had a particular admiration for the poetry of Walt Whitman. It is therefore not surprising that it was to the American poet's works that he turned for the text of his first symphony - choosing parts of "Leaves of Grass" for the first three movements and some text from "Passage to India" for the finale. It took Vaughan Williams some seven years to compose the work during which time it went through various forms. It finally emerged in 1909 as a large scale choral symphony of four movements set for orchestra, chorus and soprano and baritone soloists. This work, along with the "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis", signalled the emergence of a new, major force in British music.

The two longer, outer movements frame two shorter, inner movements, "On the Beach at Night Alone", a sombre nocturne, and "Scherzo - The Waves", a lively evocation of the moving waters. The first movement, "A Song for All Seas, All Ships", has a thrilling first statement as a prelude to the development of various other musical ideas. The work ends with the longest movement, "The Explorers". This meanders through a variety of moods, sometimes solemn, then questioning and at other times affirmative. 'til at last the chorus sings out "Sail Forth" as the soul breaks free and sets out on its voyage, eventually disappearing over the horizon.

For this performance, the choir joined forces once again with The Edinburgh Players who most ably presented Vaughan Williams' exciting, atmospheric and at times challenging music. We were also delighted to welcome as soloists, Gillian Rae-Walker, soprano and Nicholas York-Jones, baritone whose rich tones and empathy with the music added greatly to the evening's enjoyment.