The 2014 Head Choristers, Maddie Perring and Greg Wills with Sir Simon Rattle
This Good Friday evening at 7.00pm, the Wells Cathedral Choristers can be heard on BBC Radio 3 in a repeat broadcast of Bach’s St Matthew Passion from the 2014 BBC Proms. Performed with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Simon Rattle and with a stellar line-up of soloists, this wonderful performance is one not to be missed.
The Boy Head Chorister at the time, Gregory Wills, wrote the following account of the day:
We stayed in a hotel called the Lancaster Gate and spent the next few days rehearsing at the Royal College of Music where I met Sir Simon Rattle for first time. He was so kind and encouraging, making us feel confident to perform with his conducting.
One evening we went to the Rainforest Café and had a lovely dinner together. We also had the opportunity to go on the London Eye and visit our first 4D cinema, which everyone enjoyed.
On the day of the performance our rehearsal was in the Royal Albert Hall. The first thing I noticed when I walked into the hall was the giant organ: it was as tall as a house. Then I looked up at the ceiling which looked like floating balloons, perfectly made to balance the acoustic. The whole room was red and gold and we were amazed by the number of seats and boxes that filled the room. I was so excited and nervous to perform to such a large audience.
We walked onto the stage with bright lights shining on our faces and thousands of people watching us. The first person in the whole room I noticed was my Dad. He gave me a massive smile and I knew it would all be fine.
The music was beautiful and I felt like I was part of something amazing. I loved every moment of the performance and before we knew it, it was time to leave.
I am grateful for having been given this amazing opportunity at only thirteen years old. I have memories I’ll never forget and met people who have inspired me to become the best musician I can be. I’m looking forward to the next adventures to come.
Gregory Wills,
Head Boy Chorister (2013-14)
Sir Simon Rattle rehearses the choristers on stage
Outside the Stage Door of the Royal Albert Hall