There's a feast in store with Watford Philharmonic Society (From Watford Observer)

There's a feast in store with Watford Philharmonic Society

3:15pm Monday 8th March 2010 in

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Belshazzar’s Feast by Sir William Walton has been a firm favourite with renowned Chorleywood baritone Andrew Shore ever since he was a boy, but in a career spanning 30 years the opportunity to perform it has not come up, that is, until now.

“I’ve always loved it,” says Andrew. “It was of particular interest to me because I grew up in Oldham which is where Walton was from. It’s an exciting and energetic work with lots of youthful energy and strong rhythms, but it has always eluded me. I am so pleased to have been asked to perform it.”

Andrew joins Watford Philharmonic Society for a concert of choral and orchestral English music at Watford Colosseum next Saturday, which will conclude with Walton’s stirring work written for a double choir with scoring for a large brass and percussion section, and based on the biblical story of ‘the writing on the wall’.

The programme also includes Tintagel by Arnold Bax; Rejoice in the Lamb by Benjamin Britten, during which will feature the recently restored Compton organ; and Five Mystical Songs by Vaughan Williams.

A noted concert and operatic performer, Andrew has lived in Chorleywood for the past 27 years. He is currently appearing with English National Opera as the quack Dr Dulcamara in The Elixir of Love, the role in which he made his New York debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 2006. Recent concert engagements have included appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, Wagner at the Edinburgh Festival and the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester and Britten’s War Requiem in Lincoln Cathedral.

Although Colosseum audiences will see Andrew perform in his own right, he admits he enjoys playing other characters in his work.

His major roles include Verdi’s Falstaff, Mozart’s Papageno in The Magic Flute, Don Alfonso in Cosi fan tutte, Dr Bartolo in Rossini’s Barber of Seville and Leporello in Don Giovanni. In the summer he will reprise his portrayal of the evil Alberich in Wagner’s Ring at the Bayreuth Festival in Germany. “Most of my work on stage in opera is in costume and I like to embody the character. For me turning myself into them is so important. It’s a mark of my success if I leave the theatre unrecognised.”

Joining Andrew for the concert, is Purcell School pianist Lara Ömeroglu, who will perform Saint-Saën’s Second Piano Concerto.

The concert takes place at Watford Colosseum on Saturday, March 13 at 7.30pm. Details: 07546 112321, www.watfordphilharmonic.co.uk