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This is Rattle: Birtwistle

Programme curated by the composer

,Milton Court Concert Hall
Portrait of Harrison Birtwistle

Ancient and modern meet in an intriguing programme that folds time back across the centuries, juxtaposing Varèse, Machaut, Byrd and Birtwistle. 

Simon Rattle has long championed Sir Harrison Birtwistle’s music. Now Birtwistle returns the compliment with a personally-curated musical greeting. In his first concerts with the LSO, Rattle reaffirms his commitment to the powerful, unmistakably personal music of Harrison Birtwistle. Birtwistle’s own vocal music – and that of his forebears – forms the heart of this musical tribute from composer to conductor. 

Martyn Brabbins conducts the BBC Singers in the intimate but atmospheric space of Milton Court, in a work that they co-commissioned: the poignant and profoundly beautiful Moth Requiem of 2012. But Birtwistle layers the concert with memories and echoing voices from across eight centuries - from Machaut to Byrd and Varèse. A programme as subtle and provocative as one of Rattle’s own.  

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Promoted by BBC Singers and the Barbican

Programme

  • Varèse   Octandre
  • Machaut   Messe de Nostre Dame (with Plainsong Tropes arranged for instruments by Sir Harrison Birtwistle)
  • Byrd   Lamentations
  • Sir Harrison Birtwistle   Pulse Sampler
  • Sir Harrison Birtwistle   The Moth Requiem

Performers

  • BBC Singers  
  • Martyn Brabbins   conductor
  • Philippa Davies   flute
  • Helen Tunstall, Hugh Webb & Lucy Wakeford   harps
  • Nash Ensemble  

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Download the programme

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Milton Court Concert Hall

Location
Milton Court Concert Hall is located within the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is approximately a 5 minute walk from the Barbican entrance on Silk Street.  

Address
Milton Court
Silk St, London
EC2Y 9BH

Nearby public transport
We are within walking distance from a number of London Underground stations, the closest being Barbican, Old Street, St Paul’s and Moorgate. The nearest train stations are Liverpool Street and Farringdon. Bus Route 153 runs directly past the Barbican along Chiswell Street

Car and bicycle parking
We have free bicycle spaces and paid car parking spaces available