RNS: Lindisfarne - Spiritual Sounds
James Weeks conductor
Dame Sarah Connolly mezzo-soprano
Royal Northern Sinfonia
Hildegard of Bingen Rex Noster Promptus Est
John Tavener The Lamb
Hildegard of Bingen O Virtus Sapiente
Henry Purcell In Nomine in Seven Parts
Arvo Pärt Orient and Occident
John Tavener Supernatural Songs
As the Lindisfarne Gospels return to the North East, conductor James Weeks, Royal Northern Sinfonia and one of Britain’s greatest living vocalists – Dame Sarah Connolly – come together to explore centuries of spirituality in sounds, words and images. Artwork from the Gospels accompanies music that spans a millennium, from the timeless inspiration of Hildegard of Bingen and the sacred beauty of Purcell to the ravishing sounds of the late John Tavener.
For John Tavener’s Supernatural Songs, we have commissioned a brand-new film work by Newcastle-based studio, NOVAK, taking inspiration from the Lindisfarne Gospels and Tavener’s deeply spiritual and meditative music. Projected behind the orchestra on stage, the film will transport audiences through stunning landscapes across the region, culminating in a celebration of the iconic illustrated pages within the Gospels.
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The concert will end at approximately 9pm.
Concessions are available for:
- North East First Timers
- 18-30s
- 17 & Under and Unemployed (in receipt of benefit)
- Groups
Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Lindisfarne Gospels 2022
This concert is part of a programme of events inspired by the display of the Lindisfarne Gospels in the North East in autumn 2022. On loan from the British Library, the spectacular manuscript will take centre stage in an exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne from 17 September – 3 December 2022. www.lindisfarnegospels2022.com
Pre-concert Conversation: Music & Spirituality
Durham University musicologist Dr Katherine Hambridge convenes two pre-concert conversations for our first two events of the season: Season Opening Night on Saturday 17 September and Lindisfarne – Spiritual Sounds on Friday 23 September. This evening we consider the relationship between visual art, music and spirituality, making connections between the abstract patterns in the Lindisfarne Gospels and the role of music in reflection, ritual and transcendence with Dr Heather Pulliam, conductor Dr James Weeks and director of tonight’s film commission, Adam Finlay (NOVAK).
The conversation will take place on the Concourse at 6.30pm and last approximately 30 minutes. It is free to attend and open to all, no ticket necessary.