Experience a special performance of John Tavener’s timeless classic in the intimate and atmospheric Greek Orthodox cathedral where he worshipped.
John Tavener often worshipped in the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Divine Wisdom in Bayswater – a sparkling neo-Byzantine gem from the 1880s, modelled on Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia.
Normally off limits to concerts, this atmospheric venue opens its doors for two special performances of Tavener’s orchestral masterpiece The Protecting Veil.
Written for solo cello and large, ecstatically-layered string orchestra, The Protecting Veil was premiered in the Royal Albert Hall at the 1989 BBC Proms and became an instant contemporary classic. Such was the success of its premiere recording that it was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 1992, alongside U2, Simply Red and Primal Scream.
Guy Johnston was one of the few cellists to have worked with Tavener, and this is a unique opportunity to hear the piece in this amazing space thanks to special permission granted by the cathedral's clergy and administration.
