In 40 Parts: Spem in alium
Imagine the sound of heaven itself. A voice calls out in the silence; then another, and another until the whole universe is resounding with sensuous, sacred song.
Soaring, uplifting, remarkable, and truly monumental, Tallis’ Spem in alium is perhaps the most iconic piece of choral music ever written, a towering piece written in 40 different parts that creates its own sense of time and space. Every performance is special, and this unmissable concert also features a world premiere from Roderick Williams and revisits a 2010 piece written for Ex Cathedra by Alec Roth in 40 parts. What better way to open Jeffrey Skidmore’s final season!
Alec Roth’s spine-tingling Earthrise takes inspiration from the famous 1968 photograph of the Earth as it rose above the horizon of the Moon, prompting astronaut Bill Anders to comment "We came all this way to explore the Moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth". Listen to excerpts here.
And an exciting new work by Roderick Williams looks to the future, as well as the past, painting a picture of the urban wilderness that is home to many people living on the margins of society. The composer says "from my comfortable, privileged viewpoint as I tour many of the world’s most glamorous and wealthy cities as part of my career, I see many, many people whom that wealth and glamour have passed right by. We exist together in the same space but our experience of the city could not be more different. I write this piece in all humility for them."
"Ex Cathedra shines like a beacon on the British musical scene” (Church Times)
Running time is approx. 2 hours including interval.
Programme includes:
Tallis Spem in alium
Roth Earthrise
Williams The Wilderness (world premiere)
The Wilderness has been co-commissioned by Ex Cathedra and the RIAS Kammerchor Berlin with Ex Cathedra giving the world premiere performances. We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the John Feeney Charitable Trust.
EX CATHEDRA Choir
Jeffrey Skidmore conductor
Preview films
Watch short clips as Jeffrey Skidmore (Artistic Director) and James Burton (Artistic Director Designate) talk about aspects of each of the three main pieces in this concert:
How to book
£48.50 / £39.50 / £31 / £22 including per ticket commission
£15 - aged 18-30, not in full-time education
£8 - under 18s and students in full-time education
Book online or call the B:Music box office on 0121 780 3333
Ex Cathedra is an Associate Artist at Symphony Hall & Town Hall (B:Music venues)
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Getting there
Find details on the venue website here.
Access
Everyone is welcome at Ex Cathedra’s concerts, and we are committed to doing all we can to ensure you have a great experience.
You can find access information on the B:Music website here, including details of B:Music's partnership with Nimbus Disability.
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Jeffrey says
"This is a spectacular programme of music In 40 Parts including Tallis Spem in alium and Sing and glorify, Alec Roth Earthrise and Roderick Williams The Wilderness, a new Feeney Trust commission and an eagerly awaited world premiere."
