‘…when the night of this world is past…’ -St Bede

VOCES8 headlines the LIVE From London festival with a concert that intertwines a typically varied programme of music from around the world with themes of reflection, renewal, and the passage of time.

The central works were all written in the 20th century; Gustav Holst’s stunning a cappella Nunc Dimittis marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of the British composer best known for his musical representation of the planets.  Arvo Pärt’s serene Morning Star takes its short text (including the concert quote, above) from the prayer above the tomb of St Bede, Durham Cathedral, UK. Also included is the American Samuel Barber’s famous and hauntingly beautiful Agnus Dei, the choral setting of the Adagio from his Second String Quartet. One of the ensemble’s most performed concert works this season has been The Masquerade is Over, arranged by tenor Blake Morgan, filmed here for all to see.

Performers
VOCES8