Singers from the Vivace choir took advantage of a visit to the site of the new Cathedral by architect Marcus Collins to find out what may be in store for their April performance of Messiah.
“Cathedrals are a challenge for design because they are an extreme example of a multipurpose space.” Marcus Collins said. “This is especially so when it comes to acoustic design, because ideally all those competing uses need to be accommodated.
“In this Cathedral for example there is an organ installed, and we are confident from our modelling that the acoustics will suit this installation. But there will also be choirs, and every service involves the spoken voice. These sound sources have very different characteristics, and that’s where the challenge lies.”
Alto soloist Lorraine Bond let a few bars of the Messiah mingle with the sounds of workmen feverishly working to finish the interior ready for the April consecration. Despite the competing noise it was immediately obvious that there was no unpleasant reverb, and each note was supported and sustained by the surrounding space, suggesting it will be an ideal venue for an oratorio performance.
“The acoustic modelling was done by acoustic engineer Norbert Gabrielle, and hence my confidence regarding the organ voice.” Marcus Collins said. “But a choir is something different, and the spoken voice is different again. This is a very different space from that of St Boniface, and I am not surprised it is a popular singing venue, because it has classical ratios for sound.
“And of course what we hear today will be quite different when these pews are filled with people, and a significant amount of sound will be absorbed.”
Vivace will be performing Handel’s Messiah in the new Cathedral on April 9 at 2pm, and again the next day in St Boniface Cathedral at the same time. St Boniface has been the choir’s rehearsal venue for this performance.
Tickets will be available through BRECS ticketing office, or at the door.