Tenebrae announces two new commissions - 1.11.04

TENEBRAE is pleased to announce two new commissions to be premiered in 2005

JOBY TALBOT is writing ‘The Road to Santiago’ (working title) for Tenebrae in preparation for a world premiere at the City of London Festival in 2005, and a recording on Signum Classics. This new work, consisting of 4 movements and lasting one hour, evokes the awesome experience of this most celebrated and ancient of all yearly pilgrimages, and the places it passes through. Talbot has collected medieval texts in four different languages (including one now extinct) to propel the listener into the pilgrimage’s rich and dangerous history, and has combined these with new lines from the poet Robert Dickenson. Nigel Short, founder and director of Tenebrae, said “we are extremely excited to be working with Joby [Talbot] whose work I have long admired. The theme is one that will appeal to audiences worldwide and that fits perfectly with the ethereal mood of contemplation that is a candlelit Tenebrae performance.”

NIGEL SHORT is writing an a cappella secular piece for the group to follow up his Dream of Herod which has toured highly successfully for the last two years. The theme of his new work – entitled ‘Rhenus Fluvius’ – will be the River Rhine, following it from its source in the Grisons of Switzerland to the sea in Holland through tales of folklore and local history. The libretto, written by Juerg Fankhauser, well-known Swiss playwright and novelist, is set in Latin, Romansh, German, French and Dutch and includes the part of a narrator who will lead the audience through the performance in the language of the country in which it is being performed. Of this project, Lady Valerie Solti, friend and patron of Tenebrae, says; “This is a stunning idea for a new European musical project and one that I am happy to be involved with. It draws upon ideas and stories that are profoundly inherent in the Arts and history of Europe, and of course Rhine folklore which is already close to my heart.”

Tenebrae continues to go from strength to strength both in the UK and overseas. The group’s 2004 appearances continue to sell-out audiences and excellent reviews around the world.

Keep an eye on the diary for forthcoming 2005 dates – to be published shortly.