New York Polyphony
presented by Cois Cladaigh and Pipeworks
16 November 2008
Collegiate Church of St Nicholas, Galway, 8 pm
Tickets €25 / €15 (concessions) available from www.coiscladaigh.net and
Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Galway, 091 561766
18 November 2008
Church of St Nicholas of Myra, Francis Street, Dublin, 8 pm
Tickets €25 / €15 (concessions) available from www.ctb.ie / 0818 205205
Pipeworks and Cois Cladaigh will present New York Polyphony in two concerts in Galway and Dublin in November 2008. New York Polyphony is one of the most exciting and dynamic vocal ensembles of a new generation and their November visit offers Irish audiences the opportunity to experience their unique and acclaimed artistry.
The programme New York Polyphony will sing in both Galway and Dublin encompasses more than 600 years and a truly diverse and exhilarating range of styles. Polyphony from the fifteenth century sits alongside works recently commissioned by the ensemble. This extraordinary blend of old and new is exemplified in the music of Andrew Smith, a rising star in the choral firmament whose music is undeniably modern whilst rooted in the ancient traditions of chant and polyphony. Three of his works are included in the programme, alongside more familiar pieces by Byrd (the much-loved Ave verum corpus), Cornysh and Poulenc (Quatre petites prieres de Francis d’Asisse). All are woven together in a skilful manner, and New York Polyphony’s concerts in Galway and Dublin promise a perfectly balanced yet daring mix of genres delivered by a group at the forefront of the international choral scene.
The group was founded in 2006 and comprises four male singers, each with a flourishing career as a singer in his own right, and who together form a consort fusing elegant vocalism with expert ensemble singing. New York Polyphony gives dynamic, historically-informed performances in a range of styles, from the simplicity of plainchant to the dense chromaticism of contemporary works; its sound is strong, unified and distinct, and critics across the globe have been glowing in their praise.
These concerts are not to be missed by anyone with a passion for the vocal and choral arts, for early and contemporary music, and for the very special experience afforded by four superb musicians singing together in scintillating euphony.
Programme:
| Ave verum corpus |
William Byrd (1539?–1623) |
Quatre petites prieres de Francis d’Asisse
|
Francis Poulenc (1899–1963) |
| Ave Maria Mater Dei |
William Cornysh/Cornish (d.1502/23) |
| Gaude Virgo Mater Christi |
William Cornysh/Cornish |
| Quatre petites prieres de Francis d’Asisse 2. Tout puissant, tres Saint |
Francis Poulenc |
| Magnificat |
John Taverner (1495–1560?) |
| Quatre petites prieres de Francis d’Asisse 3. Seigneur, je vous en prie |
Francis Poulenc |
| Magnificat a 4 |
Andrew Smith (b.1970) a New York Polyphony Commission |
| Flos regalis |
Andrew Smith |
| Worcester Fragments |
c.14th century |
| Quando ritrovo |
Costanzo Festa (c. 1485/90–1545) |
| Ogni belta |
Costanzo Festa |
| Dilla da l'aqua |
Francesco Patavino (fl.c.1500) |
| ll bianco et dolce cigno |
Jacques Arcadelt (1504/05–1568) |
| Quatre petites prieres de Francis d’Asisse 4. O mes tres chers freres |
Francis Poulenc |
| In Pace |
Christopher Tye (c.1505–c.1572) |
| Veni Redemptor Gentium |
Andrew Smith |