HENZE'S VOICES - ALDEBURGH

One of the London Sinfonietta's landmark commissions of the past fifty years, Henze’s Voices is a collection of 22 folk songs from all over the world, spanning the soundworld of the Italian resistance, former Vietnamese president Ho Chi Minh’s ‘Prison Song’, and African American poet Dudley Randall’s Roses and Revolution.

Henze suggests "these are the voices of the offended or humiliated…of defeated people finding other value, other notes, other voices for themselves". Written for mezzo-soprano, tenor, electronics and fifteen musicians playing around 70 different instruments, it’s a feat of contemporary composition. 

Sixteen of the original 22 songs will be performed, conducted by Christian Karlsen with mezzo-soprano Carina Vinke and tenor Benjamin Hulett. The programme will also feature three new works by Nathalie Joachim, Louise Drewett and Aldeburgh Young Musicians/ Patrick Bailey arr. Louise Drewett, co-commissioned with the London Sinfonietta 

Hans Werner Henze Voices (1973)
Louise Drewett Environmental Songs (world premiere)
Aldeburgh Young Musicians/Patrick Bailey, arr. Louise Drewett  Due Arrangements (world premiere)
Nathalie Joachim M anvi chante peyi m (world premiere)

Christian Karlsen conductor                                    
Carina Vinke mezzo-soprano
Benjamin Hulett tenor
London Sinfonietta

Louise Drewett’s new works commissioned by the London Sinfonietta with the generous support of the Cuddigan Oliver Trust. Natalie Joachim’s new work co-commissioned by the London Sinfonietta, Holland Festival, NTR ZaterdagMatinee and Britten Pears Arts

Contains some strong language and adult themes