It’s not been an easy year for any of us. Economic hardship, political turmoil, international conflict, a climate causing weather that’s been alarming in its extremes, billionaires running amok on social media power trips. Some of us have been more fortunate than others, and many of us are so grateful for what we have – but we’ve all been stung by a year which has, at times, been unprecedented in its depths of gloom.
So, surely, 2022 should be a year to forget? We want to look onwards and upwards. We want to see a light at the end of the tunnel. We want to never experience such uncertainties and troubles again. Thus, for the sake of all of us, 2022 must remain firmly erased, to the best of our collective ability. Right?
Wrong. Because the truth is, 2022 hasn’t been all that bad.
In many ways, 2022 was a triumphant return to normality after COVID so mercilessly threw us off course. In April, Vivamus finally performed Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, a concert which was initially scheduled for 2020. Being able to return to full concerts after so long was a dizzyingly magnificent experience, made even more poignant by the beauty, the drama, and the cathartic contemplation of Rachmaninoff’s powerful work.
A little while later, in July, we relaxed with some lighter fare in our summer concert, “A Summer Sonnet”. From madrigals and Shakespeare to Sondheim and The Beatles, we enjoyed a merry, uplifting concert which included participation from a delighted audience.
We didn’t lose momentum, though, and by November we were ready for Brahms’ German Requiem. A compelling work encompassing the vast range of emotions sparked by grief, we were lucky to be joined by some incredible soloists to bring this requiem to glorious life. See our German Requiem programme for more details.
But we didn’t stop there. In December, we performed “Nowell, Nowell”, our wonderful Christmas concert, to a rapt audience. From hushed, contemplative musings on the nativity, to joyous celebrations of the festive season, our programme embodied everything Christmas has to offer: peace, joy, and the harmonious togetherness which forms the very foundation of choral singing. Not a bad way to end the year.
Looking back, 2022 was an incredible time for Vivamus. Our rehearsals brought us so much joy in difficult times, and we hope our concerts continue to do the same for you. Of course we’re looking onwards and upwards, but we don’t ever want to forget the truly special highs of 2022.
Help Vivamus create more amazing memories in 2023 – check out our upcoming concerts, and sign up to our mailing list for updates.
Post written by Swéta Rana.
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