Parrys'Songs of Farewell': IKON Singers and David Hill

An evening exploring Bachs glorious motets alongside beautiful English 20th Century choral music by Parry - sung by the UKs finest professional choral singers.Programme to include:
Komm, Jesu, Komm - J.S. BachLobet den Herrn, alle Heiden - J.S. BachSongs of Farewell - Hubert Parry
i. My soul, there is a country
ii. I know my soul hath power
iii. Never weather-beaten sail
iv. There is an old belief
v. At the round earth's imagined corners
vi. Lord, let me know mine end
IKON Singers
The choir comprises the UK's finest professional choral singers and soloists, under the direction of David Hill. The choir released a CD, 'Venite, Gaudete: Music for the Christmas season' on Naxos, and recently recorded a disc of secular music by Herbert Howells; Sine nomine was released on Hyperion in October 2025.Previous programmes in Rutland have included Five Mystical Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams, A Sprig of Thyme by John Rutter, Requiem by Gabriel Faur and Hymn to St Cecilia by Benjamin Britten. In September 2025, the choir was invited to give a concert in Oakham School Chapel, performing Herbert Howells Requiem and a selection of works by Sir John Rutter to celebrate his 80th birthday.David Hill (director)
Renowned for his fine musicianship, David Hill is widely respected as both a choral and orchestral conductor. His talent has been recognised by his appointments as Musical Director of The Bach Choir, Musical Director of Leeds Philharmonic Society, Associate Guest conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and International Chair in Choral Conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music. He was Chief Conductor of the BBC Singers from September 2007 to September 2017 and is a former Principal Conductor of Yale Schola Cantorum.Born in Carlisle and educated at Chethams School of Music, he was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists at the age of 17. Having been Organ Scholar at St Johns College, Cambridge, David Hill returned to hold the post of Director of Music from 2004-2007. His other appointments have included Master of the Music at Winchester Cathedral, Master of the Music at Westminster Cathedral and Artistic Director of the Philharmonia Chorus. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Southampton for Services to Music, and in March 2018, he was honoured with the prestigious Royal College of Organists medal, in recognition of distinguished achievement in choral conducting and organ playing.David Hill has a broad-ranging discography covering repertoire from Thomas Tallis to a number of world premiere recordings. As well as achieving prestigious Grammy and Gramophone Awards, many of his discs have been recommended as Critics Choices. His ongoing series of English choral music for Naxos has received particular acclaim including being shortlisted for the 2010 Gramophone Awards.In January 2019 David Hill was awarded an MBE for services to music.Tickets are also available by ringing Susie on 07809 229292.Arts for the Heart of England 2026 Pass
Please note that you can buy a standard ticket just for this concert, or for 80, you can buy a 2026 Pass. Pass holders gain access to all Arts for the Heart of England events, reserved seating, and an invitation to a pre-concert reception on Friday 5th June.Dance and Fantasy: Music for Piano, Four Hands presented by Anne Bolt and David Hill
7.30pm on Friday 13th March, All Saints' OakhamConcert lecture: Constructing Elgars Piano Concerto presented by David Owen Norris
Pre-concert reception for Friends & 2026 Pass Holders (from 6.00pm)
7.30pm - 9.00pm on Friday 5th June 2026, All Saints' OakhamHidden in Plain Sight: Buxtehude and Bach presented by chamber ensemble Liturina
followed by Sung Compline with IKON Singers
7.00pm - 9.15pm on Friday 25th September 2026, All Saints Church, OakhamParrys Songs of Farewell with IKON Singers and David Hill
7.00pm - 8.30pm on Saturday 26th September 2026, All Saints Church, OakhamCome and Sing Evensong (Rehearsal at 4.00pm, Evensong at 6.00pm)
Sunday 27th September 2026, All Saints Church, OakhamA Christmas Celebration: Carols and Readings with IKON Singers, Rutland Youth Choirs, Anne Bolt and David Hill
7.00pm - 8.30pm on Friday 18th December 2026, All Saints' Church, Oakham