Tonight sees the start of ‘Sacrifices’ at the Spitalfields Music Summer Festival, directed by Andrew Staples. Vignette Productions and La Nuova Musica collaborate to present ‘two achingly beautiful oratorios’ in a new setting.

Speaking on BBC3’s In Tune, David Bates, conductor of La Nuova Musica, lent the “cool aspect” of this modern production to Staples’ directing, due to the “layers” and “visual aspect” of the Spitalfields performance. Suzy Klein of In Tune noted that this performance will bring the works of Charpentier and Carissimi “into our own time”.

‘Sacrifices’ is performed in the Shoreditch Town Hall on the 14^th and 15^th June from 8pm – 10pm. Tickets are available here.

Listen to the full BBC3 In Tune interview and performances by La Nuova Musica here.

(Written on June 14, 2012 )

Vignette Productions and La Nuova Musica have revealed a teaser video of ‘Sacrifices’, their upcoming staging of two middle Baroque oratorios – the video hints at what spectators can expect at the Spitalfields Music Festival on the 14^th and 15^th of June, taking place in Shoreditch Town Hall.

The Director of the project is renowned tenor Andrew Staples who is aiming to present the ‘two achingly beautiful oratorios’ in a performance that will be both exciting and cutting edge: combining actors, singers, musicians, video and sound design, and lighting.

The Youtube teaser gives a glimpse of the uniqueness of this work and hints at how Sacrifices will explore the concepts of the two works and how they are relevant today. The oratorios use ancient biblical texts concerned with the sacrifice of children in the name of faith and honour, yet by peeling away the anaesthetising layers of historical context, it can be seen that these acts of belief-fuelled cruelty are still present in our world. The performance will examine the impact of a struggle between personal belief and its place in an evolving society.

Watch the video here:

La Nuova Musica in rehearsal for next week’s performance: http://tinyurl.com/cdp9gfk

(Written on June 7, 2012 )

With the grand final of the Choir of the Year competition fast approaching, WildKat PR is getting into the vocal spirit! We’ve come up with a selection of not-to-be-missed vocal and choral concerts which are taking place in London in the next couple of weeks.

What? South American connections: Music by South American composers and their European contemporaries

Where? Wigmore Hall

When? Thursday 25th November, 7.30pm

The celebrated Colombian soprano Juanita Lascarro joins the Academy of Ancient Music in a concert which features some fascinating vocal music.  The contrast between national styles will be explored in this programme of 18^th Century South American and European works, including music by Lobo de Mesquita, Zipoli and Torrejón y Velasco.  Ticket prices range from £18 to £32.  If you buy two or more tickets for this concert, you will receive the Wigmore Hall Live’s Academy of Ancient Music CD absolutely free of charge!

Where? Barbican Hall

When? Friday 26th November, 7.00pm

Oliver Knussen conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in this exciting concert of choral works inspired by the 19^th Century poet Emily Dickinson, which features two exciting premieres.  The concert will open with the European premiere of Sean Shepherd’s orchestral showpiece ‘Wanderlust’.  This will be followed by Copland’s ‘Eight poems of Emily Dickinson’ featuring the soloist Clare Booth.  Finally, Susan Bickley will appear as the soloist in the world premiere of the revised version of Julian Anderson’s ‘Heaven is Shy of Earth’, a work praised by the Guardian for evoking a ‘shimmering soundworld’.  Ticket prices range from £8 to £24.  Ticket holders are also invited to attend a pre-concert talk in the Fountain Room at 6pm. Since places are limited for this event, it’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Where? Christ Church Spitalfiels

When? Friday 3rd December 2010 19:00

Nonsuch Singers, described by The Times as “one of London’s best chamber choirs”, has a reputation for innovative programmes, high-quality singing and communicative performances. The choir’s considerable repertoire encompasses a cappella and accompanied works from the Renaissance to the present day, and the choir performs regularly with many of the UK’s leading period instrumental ensembles and finest young vocal soloists. In an intimate venue, this performance sees the choir performing the epic Handel’s Messiah.

Where? Crispin Place, Spitalfields E1

When? Tuesday 14th December 12:30pm – FREE EVENT!

This event is going to be an extremely friendly concert with a young, vibrant feel. Join 120 young musicians from Harry Gosling, Hague, Virginia and Shapla primary schools to celebrate the inauguration of Tower Voices. Together with Spitalfields Singers and THAMES Saturday Music Centre Community Choir, enjoy the sounds of winter in this celebration of all things shimmering and frosty. Come and watch for a FREE lunchtime concert!

(Written on November 22, 2010 )