“I believe very much in the British choral tradition and it really excites me to take that and share it with other people who may not have heard it.” Stephen Layton, conductor
Walk from King’s College to the great court of Trinity College on any evening and you will hear a myriad of college choirs along the way singing music from the fifteenth century to today.
Founded in 1546 by Henry VIII, Trinity College is steeped in a wealth of choral history, but its Choir most firmly embraces the contemporary on its first Australian concert tour. It showcases works by much-loved English composers alongside music by some of the most acclaimed composers of today including Arvo Pärt, John Tavener and younger composers from the Baltic States.
“In juxtaposing British music from the Renaissance with modern Baltic music, I’ve tried to create something that is really invigorating to listen to and overwhelming in its cumulative power,” says Stephen Layton, Director of Music at Trinity College.
Australia’s finest new choral music – Paul Stanhope’s Deserts of Exile – is also on the program. “It’s very important to me, coming to Australia, to be performing Australian music”. says Layton. This will be just the beginning of an exploration of music from this part of the world for us.”
One of the leading mixed-voice choirs in the UK, The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge comprises around 30 choral scholars who are undergraduates of the College.
“The Choir only tours once a year. It is Australia this time and the students have struck gold – and I think they know that!”
Program Info
Program One
A cappella works by composers including William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, Henry Purcell, Arvo Pärt, John Tavener, Pawel Lukaszewski and Paul Stanhope and works for choir and organ by Charles Stanford, William Walton and Benjamin Britten.
Brisbane Wednesday 1 September, 7pm
Adelaide Thurssday 2 September, 8pm*
Canberra Thursday 9 September, 7pm
Perth Tuesday 14 September, 7.30pm**
Program Two
A cappella works by composers including William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, Henry Purcell, Charles Stanford, Gustav Holst, Herbert Howells, Arvo Pärt, John Tavener, Morten Lauridsen, Pawel Lukaszewski and Paul Stanhope.
Sydney Monday 30 August, 7pm
Sydney Saturday 4 September, 1.30pm
Melbourne Tuesday 7 September, 7pm^
Melbourne Saturday 11 September, 8pm^
*Presented in association with the State Opera of South Australia.
**Presented in association with the West Australian Opera.
^Presented in association with Victorian Opera.