Thu 16 May | 7:30 PM St Bartholomew’s Church
TICKETS: £20 - Free for full-time students
Join us for a candlelit evening at St. Bartholomew’s Church, where classical meets contemporary in a unique performance by Borbála Szuromi. An enchanting fusion of traditional melodies and modern electronics in a repertoire featuring compositions by leading Hungarian composers András Emszt, László Sáry, Levente Gyöngyösi, and Zoltán Kodály, along with works integral to the canonical repertoire for the female voice, alongside Borbala’s own creations and improvisations.
The Hungarian soprano Borbála Szuromi has demonstrated a keen interest in experimental music from a young age and regularly collaborates with leading contemporary composers. She particularly focuses on exploring the sonic possibilities of the soprano voice with electronics, utilising innovative technologies. The programme includes compositions by Borbála herself and works by three other Hungarian composers: András Emszt, influenced by John Adams and Philip Glass; László Sáry, known for his minimalist compositions; and Levente Gyöngyösi, noted for his choral works often set to Latin texts. The programme also presents a piece by Hildegard Von Bingen, a renowned composer of sacred monophony, and a work by American composer David Lang, known for his emotionally direct expressions. Additionally, it features a composition by the Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, whose colourful music often evokes shimmering soundscapes.
PROGRAMME
David Lang i lie (2001) for small chorus SAA, with tape
András Emszt Todesfuge (2021) for soprano + looper pedals
László Sáry Kánon a felkelő naphoz / Canon for the rising sun (1989) 6 voice canon
Borbála Szuromi “Heartbeat” impro loop (2022) for soprano + looper pedals
Hildegard Von Bingen (1098-1179) Spiritus Sanctus Vivificans (live looping)
Kaija Saariaho (1952-2023) Lonh (1996) for soprano and electronics
Levente Gyöngyösi Gloria (2004) from the Mass Lux et Origo for 5 female voices, with tape