Fairest Isles:
Solistkoret and
Justin Doyle

This concert features the first meeting between the Soloists' Choir and one of Europe's foremost conductors, Justin Doyle. He is chief conductor for RIAS Kammerchor Berlin, and much in demand as conductor all over the world.

This programme brings together music from Norway's western neighbors - all cold, wet islands - which have given birth to such stunning choral music! The beauty of the natural world is celebrated, juxtaposing ancient texts from the 13th century with music by contemporary composers from the Faeroe Islands, Iceland, Ireland and Great Britain.

Henry Purcell's Fairest Isle was one inspiration for this programme; the music of Purcell had a huge influence on Benjamin Britten, whose masterpiece Hymn to St Cecilia closes the programme. We commemorate the 400th anniversary of another pivotal English composer, William Byrd, and give four living composers the prominence they deserve.

Program

Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson (f. 1938): Heyr, himna smiður
Anna Þorvaldsdottir (f. 1977): Heyr þú oss himnum á
William Byrd (1543 – 1623): Haec dies
Kári Bæk (f. 1950): Vatnið Og Ljósið
Sunleif Rasmussen (f. 1961): Blátt
Áine Mallon (f. 1994): Liminal Dawn
Deirdre McKay (f. 1972): Dieppe
Joanna Marsh (f. 1970): now i lay
William Byrd (1543 – 1623): Ne irascaris, Domine
Henry Purcell (1659 – 1695): Fairest Isle
Benjamin Britten (1913 – 1976): Hymn to Saint Cecilia