Music

Passio

Hilliard Ensemble, United Kingdom

The Hilliard Ensemble have built a reputation as one of the world's finest vocal chamber groups, and is probably unrivalled for its formidable reputation in the fields of both early and new music. The group’s distinctive style and highly developed musicianship engage the listener as much in medieval and renaissance repertoire as in works specially written for them by living composers.

Arvo Pärt’s ethereal Passio will be brought to life this Festival by the magnificent Hilliard Ensemble and TOWER Voices New Zealand.

Since their first meeting in 1985, The Hilliard Ensemble and Arvo Pärt have had a close, fruitful relationship; the Ensemble recording and giving hundreds of performances of many of Pärt’s works.

Passio - Pärt's interpretation of the St John Passion was written in the early 1980s after the Estonian-born composer emigrated to Berlin, where he was free to explore more openly his talent for sacred music composition. Pärt’s music is recognisable for its stillness, concentration and timeless quality.

This contemplative and moving performance will be relished by music fans, both secular and religious.

The Hilliard Ensemble

TOWER Voices New Zealand

Soprano - Lisette Wesseling

Bass - Richard Alexander

Oboe - Merran Cooke

Bassoon - Colin Hemmingsen

Violin - Helene Pohl

Cello - Rolf Gjelsten

Organ - Douglas Mews

Conductor - Dr Karen Grylls