Kindred Spirits

 

Chamber choir Nota Bene, conducted by Peter Walls

with guest artists

Wellington Young Voices, conducted by Christine Argyle

Java ensemble gamelan group, led by Megan Collins

Fiona McCabe (piano), Dominic Jacquemard (percussion)

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Britten’s Hymn to St Cecilia is one of his most loved choral works – and one that is important in his development as a composer. Jack Body’s Wedding Song of St Cecilia is, similarly, one of his most loved and significant choral works.

Both composers set sonnets by Michelangelo (in one case, the same sonnet). Both composers were inspired by the music of Asia – and, in particular, by the Javanese gamelan. Both transformed medieval hymns (Britten’s touching Hymn to the Virgin, Jack’s remarkable Carol to St Stephen). Both wrote settings of Psalm 150 that share a strong rhythmic interest (Britten’s for children, Jack’s for adults).

This is neither imitation nor chance. Their individual voyages of self-discovery took them down similar paths. Coincidences abound (even photos of both composers on the tennis court).

Nota Bene (in partnership with Wellington Young Voices) is delighted to present this rich programme on the occasion of Waiteata Music Editions’ release of a group of Jack Body choral scores.

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3pm Sunday 7 May 2017

Tickets $25, concession $20 children free

Bookings at Eventfinda

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