Stephen Layton's 30th anniversary concert

This concert in celebration of Stephen’s 30 years as director of the Holst Singers features works by composers closely associated with Stephen and the choir.

At the centre of the programme is Arvo Pärt’s Seven Magnificat Antiphons, setting the traditional ‘O’ advent antiphons (O Wisdom, O Adonaii, etc) in Pärt’s distinctive ‘tintinnabuli’ (or ‘ringing of bells’) style, where rhythmic, harmonic and melodic elements are used in simple repeating structures to give the music a powerfully mesmerising and intensely spiritual impact. Another work by Pärt, which was the son of… takes an unusual text from Luke’s gospel that lists the full ancestry of Jesus (all 50 generations of it) and creates a lively engaging work full of colour and contrast that will certainly raise a smile.

Taverner’s Funeral Ikos sets words from the Orthodox priestly burial service. The moving text is given central prominence in this serene setting that adapts Russian chants in Tavener’s characteristic style. In 2003 we gave the world premiere of Tavener’s Veil of the Temple under Stephens' directorship. We will be revisiting this epic work by performing a stand-alone section Mother of God, here I stand. We are excited to be performing in the beautiful setting of St Matthew’s Church with its resonant acoustic will particually enchance these spatious works. 

The contemporary works are complemented by beautiful miniatures by Purcell, Lotti and Holst.

Full programme:

Henry Purcell - Hear my prayer

Antonio Lotti - Crucifixus

Jonathan Harvey - Remember, O Lord

Arvo Pärt - ...which was the son of...

John Tavener - Funeral Ikos

Jonathan Harvey - Come, Holy Ghost

Arvo Pärt - Seven Magnificat Antiphons

Jonathan Harvey - The Angels

John Tavener - Mother of God, here I stand

Gustav Holst - Nunc Dimittis