Arvo Pärt’s favourite composer Ukrainian Valentyn Silvestrov brings new work to world premiere to Louth Ireland
If you were to ask me to name a contemporary composer, the first name that I would voice is the name Silvestrov. Valentyn – is unconditionally the most interesting contemporary composer, even if the majority are given to understand this much later…”. Arvo Pärt.
Louth Contemporary Music Society’s Temenos 2009 programme includes a very special portrait concert of the music of the Ukrainian composer Valentyn Silvestrov. Silvestrov’s haunting music comes to County Louth as part of the Temenos Sacred Songs and Arhkangelos festival. Louth Contemporary Music Society, with funding from the Arts Council, have obtained the first Irish commissions from Valentyn Silvestrov described by Alfred Schnittke as “ the greatest composer of our generation” a sentiment seconded by Arvo Pärt in the New Yorker some years ago: “Silvestrov is one of the greatest composers of our time.”
The work of the Kiev based composer will be performed at St Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda on the 24 September. The performance will feature two world premieres 5 new pieces for violin and piano and 5 Sacred Songs.A number of world-renowned musicians will perform Silvestrov’s works. The virtuoso violinist Elizabeth Cooney with Russian pianist Elisaveta Blumina will perform 5 new pieces for violin and piano, the first Irish commission from Silvevstrov. Additionally, a new choir Louth Voices conducted by the esteemed Estonian conductor Tõnu Kaljuste will perform Silvestrov’s choral works including the world premiere of his new 5 Sacred Songs. As an added treat to Irish audiences, Valentyn will play the piano(ad libitum) towards the end of the performance.
Silvestrov has been gaining a solid reputation from his CD releases with ECM and being praised by the likes of Arvo Pärt. Apart from Sofia Gudaidulina , Silvestrov is the last of the generation of Soviet Composers that included Pärt, Schnittke etc to break through to a western audience. Gavin Bryars writes about working with the Latvian Radio choir “Arriving early for the rehearsal he heard the choir sing a work he did not know but thought “the most beautiful music I had ever heard”.
Tickets priced €15 are on sale from the Central Ticket Bureau
www.centralticketbureau.com
0818 205 205 UK callers– 0870 850 2896 or
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Programme
Elizabeth Cooney violin and Elisabeta Bumina piano
Songs without words to B. Pivnenko- Valentyn Silvestrov
1.Elegy
2.Barcarolle
3.Musical Moment
Three pieces for Helle Mustonen Valentyn Silvestrov
1. Lullaby
2. Barcarolle
3. Lullaby
25.X.1893 in memory of P. Tchaikovsky Valentyn Silvestrov
1. Prelude
2. Lullaby
3. Serenade
5 New pieces for piano and violin (world premiere) Valentyn Silvestrov
INTERVAL
Louth Voices conducted by Tõnu Kajuste
Litany 2005 Valentyn Silvestrov
Bless O Lord Valentyn Silvestrov
5 Sacred Songs (world premiere) Valentyn Silvestrov
Diptych Valentyn Silvestrov
Testament
Our Father
Piano (ad libitum) Valentyn Silvestrov
