strings and voices: the hilliard ensemble and the australian chamber orchestra
The Hilliard Ensemble joins the Australian Chamber Orchestra in their Sydney concerts this week. Comprising counter-tenor David James, tenors Rogers Covey-Crump and Steven Harrold and baritone Gordon Jones, the ensemble is a unique mix of male voices and one of the most respected in the world, with an impressive discography and a busy touring and performing schedule.
Whilst they have a reputation as specialists in medieval and renaissance music, they are very much in the present in their collaborations with contemporary composers and performers.
One of the works they will sing is Ah, gentle Jesu a a very early four part carol by Sheryngham, an English composer about whom little is known except that he was active around 1485-1500. Also in their line- up, contrasting interpretations of the incantation Veni Creator Spiritus, as a Gregorian Chant, as a French medieval setting, and as set by Ross Edwards.
The Hilliard Ensemble have worked with several composers from the Baltic states and their recordings of Arvo Part’s Passio and Litany are significant additions to the discography. Their inclusion of Part’s Most Mother of God in the concert line-up is exciting.
The instrumentalists of the ACO will present music by Elgar and Arensky, and the ensemble will join forces for the Australian premiere of a Russian Orthodox chant Obikhod especially set for voices and strings by Moscow born composer Aleander Raskatov (b1953).
The Programme:
ELGAR Serenade for strings SHERYNGHAM Ah, gentle Jesu RASKATOV Obikhod (Australian Premiere)
PÄRT Most Holy Mother of God GREGORIAN CHANT Veni Creator Spiritus ANON. (FRENCH MEDIEVAL) Veni Creator Spiritus EDWARDS Veni Creator Spiritus ARENSKY Variations on a theme by Tchaikovsky
Book on line at www.cityrecitalhall.com or call (02) 8256 222 or at the box office, City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Place Sydney.
