The music of the late Sir John Tavener will be celebrated in London over the weekend of January 25/26 . Programmed before his death in November 2013 and planned to coincide with what would have been his 70th birthday, these four concerts reflect the enormous range of Tavener’s compositions, with works that span his career.
A performance by students of the Royal College of Music opens the weekend on Saturday. This is followed by Orchestra of St John’s with OSJ Voices, conducted by John Lubbock and featuring the cellist Alice Neary, with a programme that includes The Protecting Veil.
On Sunday a lunchtime concert by students of the Royal Academy of Music features works for brass and organ. The weekend of celebration concludes that evening with the return of Orchestra of St John’s, this time conducted by Martin Neary, with the English Chamber Singers, sopranos Patricia Rozario and Ann de Renais, and cellist Josephine Knight. The programme includes the UK premiere of Miroir des Poèmes, Song for Athene and the first public performance of Mahavakyas for cello and soprano.
Both Martin Neary and John Lubbock have enjoyed long, creative associations with Sir John and his music. This weekend brings together enthusiastic young players alongside their professional colleagues to celebrate Sir John’s music and memory in style.
The closing concert is presented in aid of The Music Therapy Charity and Chain of Hope, a charity started by Sir John’s heart surgeon, Magdi Jacoub.
TICKETS can be purchased here
Royal College and Royal Academy concerts: free ticketed event
Evening concerts: £28, £24, £18, £14
Weekend pass: £44, £36, £28, £20. Please note that weekend passes can only be booked by phone or in person at the Box Office.
PROGRAMME
CONCERT 1
SATURDAY JANUARY 25, 6pm
Lacrimae for viol consort
Chant for guitar
Out of the Night for solo viola
The Hidden Treasure for string quartet
Students of the Royal College of Music
CONCERT 2
SATURDAY JANUARY 25, 7.30pm
Three Hymns of George Herbert
Syvati
Prayer for Jerusalem
The Protecting Veil
Mother of God, Here I Stand (for strings)
Orchestra of St John’s
John Lubbock conductor
Alice Neary cello
CONCERT 3
SUNDAY JANUARY 26, 12.30pm
Trisagion for brass quintet
Mandelion for organ
Students of the Royal Academy of Music
CONCERT 4
SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY 2014 - 7.30PM
Eternity's Sunrise
The Lamb
Miroir des Poèmes - UK premiere
Little Requiem for Father Malachy Lynch
Crucifixus from Bach’s Mass in B minor
Coplas for four choirs, orchestra and tape
Adieu Roger - Take him, earth, for cherishing
They are all gone into the world of light
Mahavakyas – first public performance
Song for Athene
English Chamber Singers
Orchestra of St John’s
Martin Neary conductor
Patrizia Rozario soprano
Ann De Renais soprano
Josephine Knight cello
