Powerful, passionate, hypnotic – in a time of turmoil and amid the shock of war, Rachmaninov turned to the choral heritage he held dear, and created one of the most awe-inspiring vocal masterpieces. Immerse yourself in its luminous choral tapestry, mesmeric melodies and some of the lowest notes you’ll ever hear sung. No wonder it is beloved by audiences and singers alike. Rachmaninov’s All-Night Vigil, his most-loved work, uses orthodox chants from the Znamenny tradition, Greece and poignantly from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Recent discoveries from the original 1915 poster inform Ex Cathedra’s performance and bells, so dear to Rachmaninov and Russian Christian culture, will sound the chants between movements.

Performers

Ex Cathedra
Jeffrey Skidmore conductor
Martha McLorinan mezzo-soprano
James Robinson tenor
Simone Rebello bells