The State Choir Latvija conducted by Fergus Sheil, visits Galway, Dublin, Kilkenny and Waterford for a celebration of the great Estonian composer’s finest choral music from 13 October to 16 October.
Instantly recognisable as of one of today’s most sincere, compelling and transcendental voices in composition, Arvo Pärt has developed a cult status far beyond the normal confines of classical artists. The Latvian choir’s tour, presents a 75th birthday retrospective of the composer’s choral music and spans three decades of work that forms the spiritual core of his output. It features iconic pieces such as Summa (1977) as well as the deeply reverential Sieben Magnificat-Antiphonen (1991) and the ethereal Magnificat (1989). A highlight of the programme will be The Deer’s Cry, which was premiered by the State Choir Latvija and conductor Fergus Sheil in Drogheda in 2008.
The State Choir Latvija will couple Pärt’s music with three spiritual works by Irish composers. Deirdre McKay’s Plunkett’s Last Words, written for and premièred by the State Choir Latvija, Rhona Clarke’s Two Marian Anthems (2007) and Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin’s Maranatha (1999), an exuberant work which sets the ancient “O Antiphons” – the same text as Pärt’s more reflective Sieben Magnificat-Antiphonen.
Choral music has long been a central facet of cultural life in Latvia. The State Choir Latvija is not only one of Latvia’s finest choirs, but also one of Europe’s leading professional choral groups. The choir performs extensively at home and is also in demand internationally at festivals and venues throughout the world. Fergus Sheil is one of Ireland’s leading conductors, with an extensive track record in the choral sphere as well as acclaimed work with orchestras and in opera.
The tour is made possible with support from The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.
Concert and Booking Details
13 October 2010: St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway, 8pm. In association with Music for Galway
Tickets €20 / €16 (Concession); Booking: 091 705 962 or http://www.tht.ie
14 October 2010: St Anne’s Church, Dawson St, Dublin, 8pm Tickets €24 / €20 (Concession); Booking: http://www.tickets.ie
15 October 2010: Black Abbey, Kilkenny In association with Music in Kilkenny, 8pm
Tickets €20 / €15 (Concession); Booking: 056 776 1497
16 October 2010: Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford 8pm. In association with Christ Church Cathedral.
Tickets €18 / €16 (OAPs) / €12 (Students); Booking: 051 858 958
Contemporary Music Centre, Ireland 