Join KCS in the historical setting of All Saints Church, Kingston, on Saturday 22 November 2025 at 7.30pm, for a programme that brings together some of the best-loved works in the choral and orchestral repertoire, three of them by composers from the early 20^th century golden age of British music.

A joyful and quirky festival cantata, full of colour and invention, Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb sets to music the remarkable poetry of Christopher Smart.

Serenade to Music is a radiant work for choir, soloists and orchestra. Vaughan Williams wrote it using Shakespeare's words on the music of the spheres from Act V of The Merchant of Venice.

Elgar's Elegy for Strings is a lovely and poignant miniature orchestral tribute to departed musicians.

In a contrasting second half, Joseph Haydn's Paukenmesse (Missa in tempore belli) combines ominous solemnity with Haydn's trademark brilliance and energy in what has been described as is a musical prayer, invoking faith and hope during Napoleon's occupation of the composer's native Austria.

The concert will be conducted by Andrew Griffiths, with KCS's new partner orchestra the Thames Camerata, and distinguished soloists, Anna Devin, Emma Roberts, Nick Pritchard and Jonathan Brown.

One of southwest London's leading choirs, KCS has been sharing the joy of choral music with audiences for over 75 years. This St Cecilia's Day concert promises to be an inspiring evening of reflection and celebration, uniting masterpieces old and new in praise of the power of music.

KCS is proud to be supported by the Humphrey Richardson Taylor Charitable Trust.

Programme:

Britten: Rejoice in the Lamb

Elgar: Elegy for Strings

Vaughan Williams: Serenade to Music

Haydn: Paukenmesse

Soloists:

Soprano: Anna Devin

Mezzo Soprano: Emma Roberts

Tenor: Nick Pritchard

Bass: Jonathan Brown

With the Thames Camerata

Conductor: Andrew Griffiths