The acclaimed vocal group Chanticleer, under its musical director Joseph Jennings, will premiere a major new work by Sir John Tavener on 31 January and 1 February at Stanford Memorial Church, Palo Alto, California. 'Lamentations and Praises', described by the composer as 'a liturgical drama' was commissioned jointly by Chanticleer and The Handel and Haydn Society of Boston. The idea for the commission was inspired by Chanticleer's experience with Tavener's 'A Village Wedding' (featured on their Grammy-award winning disc 'Colors of Love'), a work which they have performed countless times on tour, and which promoters often specifically request to be included in programmes. Chanticleer has recorded the new work on Teldec and the recording will be released to coincide with the premiere. It is rare for a work to be recorded before its premiere and before the composer, 5,000 miles away from the recording sessions, has had a chance to hear what he has written. Talking of his reaction upon hearing the first edit, Tavener said 'I knew the sounds they were capable of having heard their recording of 'A Village Wedding', but I didn’t have any idea they would make such an extraordinarily wonderful sound as they do in 'Lamentations and Praises'. I was absolutely staggered by it.' Details on further performances in New York and Boston can be found on Chanticleer's website www.chanticleer.org.
