Hyperion Records releases music by Vytautas Miškinis
Royal Holloway Choir’s debut Hyperion recording (of the Latvian composer Rihards Dubra) received a rapturous response from the critics. Now the choir has produced a second volume of Baltic delights "Time is Endless", turning this time to Lithuania and the sumptuous music of Vytautas Miškinis, the doyen of current Lithuanian choral culture. Introducing the new release, Vytautas Miškinis will conduct the Choir of Royal Holloway on 24th of November, in the Chapel of Royal Holloway, University of London.
Miškinis’ music, while bearing identifiable Lithuanian roots, is a synthesis of different influences carefully shaped and moulded with an experienced understanding of choral orchestration. Like many other Baltic composers of the same generation, Miškinis takes an essentially diatonic approach but with much overlaying of harmonies and coloured cluster-chords. What makes the music unmistakably Lithuanian is the influence of two folk-song genres. The overall effect is luscious, radiant and exotic. This music is passionately performed by these talented young singers and sensitively recorded in a generous church acoustic.
Listen to the music excerpts and read comprehensive text by Rupert Gough, Director of Choral Music at the Royal Holloway, University of London:
http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/al.asp?al=CDA67818
24 November, 7 pm. St Cecilia Evening, The Chapel of Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX. Tickets £12 (free to students). For tickets contact the Events Office 01784 443824 events@rhul.ac.uk
The Choir of Royal Holloway, conductors: Rupert Gough, Vytautas Miškinis. Mixed programme of spirituals and music by Vytautas Miškinis, Feliksas Bajoras, Michael Tippett, Peter Philips, Richard Dering and Bo Hansson.
