Nothing in music is quite so spine-tingling as the sumptuous sound of a large string orchestra. The Bristol Ensemble puts world premieres by SCA composers Julian Dale, David Simmonds, Frank Harvey & Julian Leeks alongside two classics of 20th century repertoire. In Arvo P rt's Fratres the here-and-now struggles with eternity as virtuosic solo violin cadenzas, featuring the dazzling technique of leader Roger Huckle, contrast with moments of sublime stillness. John Cage's Atlas Eclipticalis, is a response to the awesome astronomical discoveries of the 20th century. A star chart generates musical material and determines the location of players in the concert hall like celestial bodies in cosmic space.
Part of'Music on the Edge', supported by Arts Council England, the Hinrichsen Foundation, RVW Trust and Paragon Concert Society.