Stephen Layton is one of the leading choral directors of our time. His ‘home’ choir is at Trinity College, Cambridge, where the fresh young voices of male and female undergraduates are carefully auditioned for sought after places in what was recently named one of Gramophone magazine’s 20 Greatest Choirs.

For this tour they will perform one of the 20th-century’s most beautiful choral works: the 1922 'Mass for Unaccompanied Double Choir' by Frank Martin. The composer regarded it as an intensely personal spiritual expression – it took forty years for him to allow it to be heard – and it has never left the spotlight since.

Surrounding Martin’s masterpiece is a rich cache of smaller pieces. Of special note are two new works: one by the choir’s Organ Scholar, Owain Park; and another by Australian Joe Twist, commissioned especially for this tour.

Approx. 120 minutes including a 20 minute interval.

PROGRAM
PÄRT Bogoróditse Djévo 
BYRD O Lord, Make Thy Servant  
TALLIS Salvator mundi
PURCELL Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences 
STUCKY O sacrum convivium 
EŠENVALDS The Heavens’ Flock 
RAUTAVAARA Evening Hymn, Ekteniya 
PARK The Wings Of The Wind 
ELGAR Give Unto The Lord
TWIST New Work (World Premiere) 
Commissioned for Musica Viva by Mary and Paul Pollard
MARTIN Mass for Unaccompanied Double Choir 
HOWELLS Te Deum (Collegium Regale)  
 
ARTISTS
STEPHEN LAYTON Director

Pre-Concert Talk 

Prior to the concert, join fellow music lovers for a fascinating pre-concert talk presented by Chris Van Tuinen, well-known and highly respected instrumental and choral conductor, and discover some of the intricate moments within the concert program. These increasingly popular talks are a fantastic way to learn more about the composers, the compositions and some background information on the choir and are the perfect accompaniment to complete your concert experience. 6.45pm, Corner Stage, Riverside Terrace Level 2.

Interval Performance 

During interval, we are delighted to invite you to join us to enjoy a performance by the Choir of Boronia Pre-Release Centre for Women. Please note we ask that photographs not be taken. Interval, Corner Stage, Riverside Terrace Level 2.

CD Signing

Immediately following the performance, CDs will be available for purchase in the foyer, which Stephen Layton will be happy to sign.  Post-concert, Foyer.

PRESENTER
Musica Viva Australia