Sunday, October 22, 2017, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Since forming Svyati Duo in 2009 Rebecca Hepplewhite (cello) and Julian Collings (organ) have gained international critical acclaim, both for their concert performances and commercial CD releases. Heralded as 'exemplary' performers by Fanfare Magazine, their concert engagements have taken them to venues throughout Europe, the United States of America and Asia.
Svyati Duo take their name from Julian and Rebecca's first collaboration, as conductor and cellist in a performance of Sir John Tavener's masterpiece 'Svyati' for solo cello and choir. Tavener subsequently became the duo's Patron the following year and remained so until his death in 2013. Rebecca and Julian maintain a diverse and exciting repertoire, from Baroque sonatas through to substantial romantic and contemporary works, and are committed to performing music that displays the diversity of their instrumental combination. A tireless search for repertoire continues to reward them with unjustly neglected, original works in addition to commissioning new music and transcribing existing pieces.
The duo has performed in venues of all sizes, from churches and town halls to major cathedrals and concert halls. Recent highlights include a recital at the Hong Kong Cultural Center, where they performed to an audience of 1600, and a concert at Worcester Cathedral, which included a performance of their own transcription of Elgar's Cello Concerto. Recipients of awards from the RVW Society and the Leche Trust, Svyati Duo have commissioned new works from leading composers including David Bednall, Russell Hepplewhite, Iain Farrington and Timothy Salter, and have premiered many works by other living composers.
Svyati Duo have recorded two CDs on the Regent Records label, both of which received unanimous critical acclaim and have since been featured on radio stations both in the UK and overseas. Their third recording will be released in 2015 and will feature both baroque and contemporary music including several of the duo's own commissions. Forthcoming performing engagements include concerts throughout Europe, the USA and Japan.
The concert is free. A free-will offering will be received.