Minimal II: Sites and Sounds - Tavener in Kelvingrove

Scottish Ensemble with Natalie Clein and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow
Saturday, February 12 2011 8:00 PM

This event is part of Minimal II: Sites and Sounds, a weekend of concerts in unusual venues, which forms part of a larger series curated and presented by Glasgow Royal Concert Halls.

The Ensemble is delighted to be involved in this collaboration in the immense stone space of Kelvingrove Museum's Centre Hall, a natural space for reflection and singing where we will be joined by one of the world's greatest choirs, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir conducted by Nicholas Jenkins, and cellist Natalie Clein. We will perform the mystic music of two visionaries: Arvo Pärt, and John Tavener, with the world première of In the Highest, commissioned for the Ensemble.

The power of minimal music to 'speak from the heart' is nowhere better revealed than in these two pieces by John Tavener.  Deeply inspired by his Orthodox faith, The Protecting Veil seized the public imagination and became one of the best selling classical CDs of all time.  Its deep sorrow and searing revelation make it a potent experience, especially live - and in star cellist, Natalie Clein it has found a superb interpreter. 

Ikon of Light has similar Orthodox inspirations and show's Tavener's visionary command of choral writing; like visions looming out of the darkness, this piece rises out of nothingness to blaze with stunning brilliance.  To close the evening, the Ensemble and Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir has collaborated to create a short sequence of music for strings and choral music by Arvo Pärt and John Tavener.