Revisiting Russia through Rachmaninoff
$18-$25
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Rachmaninoff’s Vespers (Op. 37, All-Night Vigil).
Directed by Frederick N. West
Come early for a pre-concert talk with a specialist in Russian history and culture.
The Seattle Peace Chorus has a long tradition of community and peace activism. Since its Cold War origins in 1983, the Seattle Peace Chorus has been a beacon of peace through music. The chorus has visited the former Soviet Union three times, as well as travelled to many other countries with its message of peace. During one of their trips, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev spoke about their ability to bridge the gulf between cultures peacefully through music in one of his speeches. The group plans another tour to Russia in 2016.
The chorus chose Sergei Rachmaninov's famous a capella choral composition, the All-Night Vigil (or Vespers as it is known), for their Spring 2015 concert. Known for his romantic, virtuosic piano concertos, Rachmaninoff turned to the liturgy of the Russian Orthodox Church to compose this moving set of vespers, considered one of the church’s greatest choral works with its three styles of chants.
It is a challenging work with many tenor and alto soloists. Its 15 movements provide gorgeous harmonies with chant rhythms and bell-like settings of the voice ranging from solemn to festive. It will be sung a capella with special guests Mӓgi Ensemble opening the performance.