Evento

DESIGNO - the reimagined motet: the expression of invention

The Esoterics celebrates its silver anniversary with world premieres, modern motets, and the choral fireworks of Strauss!

This June, The Esoterics will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a program of modern motets, in keeping with the theme of this year: "saecula sacrorum", or secular versions of sacred forms. The program will explore the motet, the most virtuosic and architectural form of ancient choral music, known for the play on words so common in its construction.

The concerts will feature two "choral cathedrals" composed by Eric Banks: "Etternalmente vive [Eternally alive]" and "Förklaring [Elucidation]", setting poems by Michelangelo Buonarroti and Karin Boye. They will also include two new cycles by the Finnish composer Jaakko Mäntyjärvi: "Hommage à Edith" (setting three verses by the Finland-Swedish poet Edith Södergran), and "Seven last words", a hilarious rendering of the last seven entries in the Century Dictionary (1910).

The ensemble will also perform two world premieres! The choral version of Lisa Bielawas' "Machina mundi", a work for digitally processed voices and live chorus, traces various philosophical texts that grapple with the origin of the universe. Joshua Fishbein's "Of the ages" is a triptych on the various stages of life, setting texts of Elizabeth Pennell, Laurence Alma-Tadema, and William Butler Yeats. Both Lisa and Josh will join us for our anniversary concert weekend!

In addition, The Esoterics will reprise one of its favorite works, Richard Strauss' inimitable Deutsche Motette. One of the most virtuosic, cathartic, and joyful pieces in the choral repertory, Strauss' pyrotechnic setting of Friedrich Rückerts poem was written on a dare from the Vienna Opera Chorus in 1913. It is so rarely performed, and truly not to be missed!

The Esoterics will offer three performances of DESIGNO.
Please join us as we celebrate 25 years of choral community!