1995, Bumford's Beyond that of any man (with audio files)
The New Year started rehearsals for John Bumford's new cantata, Beyond That of Any Man. There were four performances in April and bass Tim Warren, who'd been singing tenor before he started singing lessons, stepped into the breach on the day of the performance at Diamond Creek, when another soloist found the allotted solo unmanageable. Nancy's group, Serendipity sang in the first half, with solos by Tim, Michael Try and Marilyn Billing. Graham conducted, and his brother didn't always like the tempos he'd chosen! Roger Peck accompanied and Michael Knuckey did the narration.
The following week the performance was at Whittlesea Anglican. Diane Morgan was struggling with her solo, declared the Whittlesea People were either tone deaf or the most Christian people she met! After some gin and tonic over tea, she did much better at St. Damien's! The last performance was the following Wednesday at Eltham Uniting Church to a disappointingly small, but appreciative audience. Another of Graham's brothers attended to record some of the performances, but this was unsuccessful and the choir reformed in August for a recording session, which went well.
These history notes have been kindly provided by our long-term artistic director and co-founder, Graham Ford.
Audio files from the recording session, courtesy of Graham Ford. Soloists named after the titles.
1 See my servant will act wisely - Mavis Ford 2 Beyond that of any Man - Tim Warren 3 Who has Believed 4 Jesus predicts his own Death - Michael Knuckey 5 He was Despised 6 Man of Sorrows 7 Peter disowns Jesus - Michael Knuckey 8 Surely 9 O Sacred Head 10 We are all like Sheep 11 He was Oppressed - Diane Morgan 12 He did not open his Mouth - Darren Rosenfeld 13 Jesus before Herod - Michael Knuckey 14 By Arrest and Judgement 15 When I Survey 16 The Arrest and Trial - Michael Knuckey 17 Yet it was the Lords Will - Graham Ford 18 Therefore 19 Old Rugged Cross