“Da Vinci Requiem brings together my chosen Latin texts from the Missa pro Defunctis with extracts from The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, and is structured in seven movements in the shape of an arch… It has been a fascinating exploration, aligning Leonardo’s extraordinary insights, both artistic and philosophical, with such a profound and ancient text.
Seventy degrees below zero is a three-movement work for chamber orchestra and tenor soloist. [Inspired by work carried out by the Scott Polar Research Institute], the phrase for the title was taken from Scott’s Letter to his wife: ‘Dear, it is not easy to write because of the cold – 70 degrees below zero’. The scientific exploration and data collected by Captain Scott’s team at the beginning of the 20th century still powerfully underlies the research which continues to this day. It was with a desire to join the past with the present that I asked the poet, Seán Street, to write two poems to accompany Scott’s words: words from ‘then’ and words from ‘now’.” – Cecilia McDowall
Wimbledon Choral has been described as “one of the most substantial and formidable choirs in London … a vigorous and sophisticated choral ensemble”. The choir is over 100 years old, re-founded in the early stages of the First World War, but its earliest recorded roots go back to 1870. Today we are a modern, dynamic group of singers, always ready to stretch ourselves and try new things, making sure we keep up our reputation as one of the finest amateur symphonic choirs in south-east England.
★★★★★ “Wimbledon Choral, one of the most enterprising amateur choirs in south-east England, acquit themselves with aplomb in the Requiem, with Neil Ferris drawing from them a well-focused sound. Soloists are top-notch, with Benjamin Hulett giving a fine account of Seventy Degrees” – Choir & Organ
★★★★ Performance ★★★★ Recording “Gently swirling, shimmering, beautifully orchestrated textures often imbued with devotional mystery…The Wimbledon Choral, for whom it was written, are impressive, with clear lines and luminous hush under soprano Kate Royal’s magnificent soaring lines in the beautiful Agnes Dei movement, Roderick Williams is typically compelling…Tenor Benjamin Hulett captures the changing moods, from the hopeful excitement via anguish to resignation…The City of London Sinfonia are sensitive partners to the voices throughout, while conductor Neil Ferris should be commended for his judicious pacing and marshalling of all involved” – BBC Music Magazine
★★★★★ “McDowall’s Da Vinci Requiem is a masterpiece. The performance here is compelling [70 Degress below Zero] forms a perfect musical coupling…especially in such a fine performance as this…The performances are uniformally excellent, as is the presentation of this important release” – The Organ