Song Of The Universal - Concert of Music by Ola Gjeilo

Producer Ewa (eh-va) Salecka and Prima Vocal Ensemble present an evening of contemporary choral magic dedicated to the music of Ola Gjeilo (yay-lo), accompanied by the renowned Mowbray Orchestra and pianist Greg Birch.

Prima have established a strong reputation for choral diversity with the music of Ola Gjeilo being a constant highlight of their repertoire and a personal favourite of Ewa for many years. They have enjoyed many collaborations with the professional musicians of The Mowbray Orchestra and are delighted to come together again to dedicate an entire evening to this master composer’s work.

An alumnus of New York’s Julliard School, Norwegian born Gjeilo is one of the most frequently performed composers in the modern choral world. An accomplished pianist and improviser he writes music with warmth, passion and a broad cinematic scope that can touch the heart of the widest audience.

Nowhere is this distinctive, immediately recognisable sound more apparent than in his works for orchestra and choir, two of which are presented here in their UK premiere under the baton of Artistic Director & Conductor Ewa Salecka.

The Dreamweaver suite, based on a Norwegian folk poem, shares many features of Dante’s ‘The Divine Comedy’ with it’s main character falling asleep on Christmas Eve and subsequently recounting his dreams through the poetic verse of master lyricist Charles Anthony Silvestri.

In Song Of The Universal, Gjeilo has created another signature uplifting sound which brilliantly enhances the faith and belief in humanity expressed eloquently through the lyrics of iconic American poet Walt Whitman.

To conclude the evening Ewa will lead Prima and the Mowbray in Gjeilo’s celebrated Sunrise Mass. In this popular work, movements of the Latin Mass are uniquely set to original English titles, reflecting the composers wish to express a very human emotional journey. Sunrise Mass memorably concludes this metaphor with Gjeilo’s acclaimed masterpiece ‘The Ground’ - here in it’s original orchestral and choral glory.

Based on the success and popularity of Prima's previous cocktail style concerts, tables are provided for you and your guests to relax at with a bar open throughout the night. Early booking is highly recommended as groundfloor spaces are limited. 

Book now and join us for what promises to be a unique, intimate and emotionally charged evening of the very best in contemporary choral music.

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