Pärt, Shostakovich and Song for Athene

Shostakovich – Chamber Symphony Op. 110a
Tavener – Song for Athene
Arvo Pärt – Fratres
Arvo Pärt – Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten
Arvo Pärt – Mein Weg
Arvo Pärt – Tabula Rasa

Acclaimed orchestra Britten Sinfonia performs a programme that cuts to the essence of the music of Dmitri Shostakovich, who died 50 years ago, and Arvo Pärt, who will be 90 this year.

Shostakovich’s eighth string quartet, later arranged for orchestra and renamed as a chamber symphony, compresses his whole life and work into a dramatic musical autobiography, with quotes from others of his works and his initials, translated into musical notes, a recurring theme. In public he dedicated the work to the “memory of the victims of fascism and war”, but he told his family and friends it was really “in memory of the composer of the quartet”.

Pärt’s music is a complete contrast: a clearing away of complexity and drama to start anew, with strikingly beautiful and minimal textures – the tolling of bells never far away – giving space for deep thought and spiritual engagement. The programme is completed by the iconic classic, Song for Athene (performed in a string orchestra arrangement), by Pärt’s closest British counterpart, John Tavener.

You can choose how you experience this concert in the awe-inspiring St Edmundsbury Cathedral. You can book seating in the Nave and at the back of the Aisles, or you can book tickets in one of the relaxed areas at the front of the Aisles, where you will find mats instead of seats for you to sit or lie on. You are welcome to bring cushions or beanbags to make yourself even more comfortable!

Starts: 7.30pm
Tickets: £35, £25, £15, £12
Venue: St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds

This event is promoted by The Apex and Britten Sinfonia and you can purchase tickets through the Apex website here.