Typically,
concertos have a been a way to showcase the virtuosity of a soloist
(every so often, multiple soloists) set against the spectacular,
multi-dimensional canvas of an orchestra. Typically. But there is little
that is typical about the Kosmos Ensemble. They are,
indeed, a brilliantly untypical ensemble, who play untypical repertoire
and with an untypical philosophy. The violinist (Harriet Mackenzie), violist (Meg Hamilton) and accordionist (Milos Milivojevic)
who comprise Kosmos (who have, individually and collectively,
virtuosity to spare) are fascinated to explore the relationships between
classical, folk and world musics. Errollyn Wallen -
one of the UK's most in-demand composers - has similarly been
much-admired for her wide stylistic palette and her ability to somehow
connect different musical worlds in ways that make perfect sense. So
Wallen's new "Concerto for Kosmos and Orchestra" was always going to be about more than virtuosity.
"Classical
music has often been inspired by other genres, whether that be Dvorak's
deep forays into folk music, Vaughan Williams noting down the songs he
heard travelling the British Isles or Osvaldo Golijov channelling music
of the Middle East," says Kosmos violinist Harriet Mackenzie, "So we are
excited to work with a composer who herself has such vast musical
horizons. We knew she would create an amazing dialogue between
the three of us and a full orchestra. The piece becomes a conversation
about what music is and where it comes from, right there on the stage. Traditionally, concertos would have had an element of improvisation for the soloists, even if that was just a cadenza. Errollyn has been brave enough to let us improvise in the concerto,
giving us a tangible freedom. So in this piece, I feel there is a real
sense of continuing and expanding traditions as well as challenging and
expanding boundaries. It's fantastically exciting to play and, we hope,
to hear!"
Kosmos, each of whose members also has a thriving solo
career, has enjoyed explosive success since launching nearly 10 years
ago. Their two recordings have sold extremely well (with a third to be
announced soon), while The Times's Richard Morrison wrote of the group, "(They have) telepathic
rapport, dazzling virtuosity, serious scholarship, intellectual
curiosity and impeccable musicianship. I defy you not to be mesmerised."
The
new concerto had its world premiere last month, at the Jersey
Liberation Festival, with Kosmos joined by the Jersey Chamber Orchestra.
"It was a sensational experience," says Mackenzie, "The audience
reaction was incredibly warm and we all felt part of a very special and
thrilling new work. We can't wait to bring it back to Britain." The Chichester performance will be its first in the UK,
and there will be subsequent performances later in the year at the
Tintern Abbey Festival and the Beaumaris Festival (both with the Welsh
Chamber Orchestra).
Watch here, the Kosmos Ensemble play the World Premiere of Errollyn Wallen's new triple concerto, at the Jersey Liberation Festival.
And watch their encore, Libertango.
The
Kosmos Ensemble will play Wallen's "Concerto for Kosmos and Orchestra"
on Thursday 5th July, 7.30pm, at Chichester Cathedral, at the Festival
of Chichester.
Comment by email:
Thank you Bill! All very best wishes, Errollyn [Errollyn Wallen]
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