DIVINE music filled a packed Tewkesbury Abbey as Pershore musicians Paula Evans and Chris Long along with their ensemble ‘Excelsa Voces’ performed a concert of music for voices and instruments that left audience members stunned and transported.
The ethereal event hosted the world premiere of ‘Pie Jesu’ by King Crimson guitarist and composer Robert Fripp and composer Andrew Keeling, both of whom were present. Also present was composer Andrew Smith, who had travelled from Norway to hear his piece ‘Lux’ performed.
Beautifully lit, with a range of colours and projections, music from the 12th and 15th century sat side by side with electronic soundscapes and contemporary works by Eric Whitacre, Gavin Bryars and Meredith Monk at the beautiful Tewkesbury Abbey.
The five-piece vocal ensemble were joined by Mr Long on keyboards, cellist Tom McMahon and gong-player Alicia Davies; they played a range of pieces including an improvisation on Fripp and Eno’s ambient classic ‘Evening Star’ and there were solo pieces from all three of them.
Audience members described the concert as ‘ethereal’, ‘exceptional’ and ‘a programme of delights’.
Excelsa Voces will be performing two winter concerts in December – tickets and information can be found at http://excelsavoces.com.
Chris and Paula also run the popular singing group Vocal High.
• Visit www.vocalhigh.com for more.
