Rutter concert at the Waterfront a great success
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Music lovers and supporters of the Down Cathedral Restoration Appeal gathered in the Waterfront Hall on Saturday for an evening with one the greatest living composers of sacred choral music, Dr John Rutter.
Dr Rutter conducted a specially-invited massed choir and orchestra drawn from the top musicians in Northern Ireland in a variety of works, climaxing in a second-half performance of his own 'Magnificat.'
In the first half, Hillsborough Parish Director of Music, Julie Bell (violin) performed the haunting ‘Lark Ascending’ by Vaughan Williams, soprano Elizabeth Ross sang Mozart and flautist Jenny Heaney performed Rutter’s ‘Suite Antique’.
Also performing Rutter pieces were the BBC’s Songs Of Praise Junior Choirs Of The Year, from Ballyholme and Waringstown Primary Schools who joined the choir to close the evening with a beautiful rendition of ‘The Lord Bless You and Keep You.’
Congratulations must go to Michael McCracken, Director of Music in Down Cathedral, who invited Dr Rutter to Belfast and was instrumental in the organization of the evening - as well as playing organ and harpsichord and singing in the choir!
Thanks also to everyone who attended in support of the Down Cathedral Restoration Appeal. It is the diocese’s intention that Down Cathedral will be enjoyed for many generations to come, not just as an important historical building, but as a vibrant and welcoming place of worship.