Mixing iconic choral works with music by some of today’s most exciting composers, Tenebrae returns to Manchester with this varied programme, centred around themes of rest and musical farewells. Joel Thompson’s virtuosic new work is a particular highlight: written for 15 vocal parts, A Prayer for Deliverance (2021) perfectly showcases Tenebrae’s core values of passion and precision. The second half features Herbert Howells’ Requiem –  one of the most moving works in the English choral repertoire. Experience this powerful music in the iconic setting and stunning acoustic of the Bridgewater Hall.

Programme

Gustav Holst (1874-1934) – The Evening-Watch
Cecilia McDowall (b.1951) – Standing as I do before God
Francis Pott (b.1957) – The Souls of the Righteous
Caroline Shaw (b.1982) – and the swallow
Richard Rodney Bennett (1936-2012) – A Good-Night
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) – Rest
Joel Thompson (b.1988) – A Prayer for Deliverance

Interval

John Tavener (1944-2013) – Song for Athene
Ralph Vaughan Williams – Valiant for Truth
Robert Lucas Pearsall (1795-1856) – Lay a garland on her hearse
Arthur Seymour Sullivan (1842-1900) – The long day closes
Herbert Howells (1892-1983) – Requiem
William H Harris (1883-1973) – Bring us, O Lord God

Artist(s)

Nigel Short, Tenebrae