Young Soloists Shine in Newbury Chamber Choir’s Baroque Concert

This evening, the Newbury Chamber Choir will present a concert featuring young soloists from the Senior Choir of St Bart’s School. The event will take place at the historic St John’s Church in Newbury at 18:00. Audiences can expect a captivating performance showcasing Baroque masterpieces, including the iconic *Gloria* by Antonio Vivaldi.

The concert will highlight two promising soprano soloists, **Milly Forrest** and **Hannah Dienes-Williams**, accompanied by a small orchestra. Under the direction of **Ben de Souza**, the choir aims to capture the essence of joy and praise that characterizes Vivaldi’s celebrated work. The *Gloria*, once relatively obscure, regained popularity following its revival in 1939 and is now regarded as a cornerstone of Baroque music.

In addition to Vivaldi’s composition, Milly Forrest will perform *Gloria* by **George Frideric Handel**, which is believed to have been composed around 1707. This piece remained lost for centuries and was only rediscovered in 2001 at the **Royal Academy of Music**. The manuscript, although not penned by Handel himself, was included in a collection owned by his friend, singer **William Savage**. Musicologist **Hans Joachim Marx**, a professor at the University of Hamburg, played a crucial role in identifying the work, stating, “Perhaps not too many sopranos will be able to perform this piece.”

The concert will also feature a selection of contemporary carols, some of which will be presented for the first time. This blend of traditional and modern compositions promises to create a rich auditory experience for concertgoers.

Tickets for the event are priced at **£15**, with free entry for those under 18 years old. They can be purchased in advance from the Newbury Chamber Choir’s website or at the door on the evening of the concert.

Attendees are encouraged to enjoy an evening of exceptional music in a beautiful setting, showcasing the talent of young artists alongside the established choir.