Thus did Cecilia McDowall, distinguished composer and member of the audience, sum up the Nonesuch Orchestra’s performance of Haydn’s Seven Last Words of our Saviour on the Cross at Christ Church, Turnham Green during Holy Week. For this deeply moving work we were privileged to be joined by actor Joanne Pearce, who read the Bible texts that Haydn so masterfully set to music.
Nonesuch chairman James Greener introduces, orchestra members prepare…
The welcome extended to us by the Vicar, staff and volunteers of the church could not have been warmer, nor could the capacity audience have been more appreciative. As well as countless enthusiastic messages of thanks, we were favoured with a sizeable retiring collection, which will help support the orchestra’s work bringing live music to London schools.
…and Dan Shilladay conducts before the rapt audience. Joanne Pearce, who read the Bible passages, is centre at the back