Due for release on September 24, Nicola Benedetti’s third album includes three new works written specifically for her by John Tavener. Lalishri was commissioned by the London Philharmonic Orchestra with support from The Michael Marks Charitable Trust, and the Southbank Centre with support from the Hunter Foundation and is given its world premiere on September 26 at the Royal Festival Hall. The concert will be given by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Andrew Litton, who also accompany Benedetti here. Lalishri is a complex work inspired by the fourteenth century Hindu saint and poet Lalla Yogishwari. The solo violin represents the song of Lalla and moves through dance, ecstatic trance to a musical expression of bliss.
Dhyana, the Sanskrit word for meditation, was composed especially to sit alongside Lalishri on this disc. It was inspired by and pays tribute to Benedetti’s contemplative style of playing. This disc also includes a special arrangement of Song for Athene for violin and strings, appearing here for the first time.
