This Sunday, October 3rd, marks an extraordinary anniversary for one of music’s greatest pioneers - the 85th birthday of Steve Reich. Of the many causes for celebration on this day, I would perhaps say that his current and tireless musical trajectory is foremost.
In just a couple of weeks, my ensemble and Synergy Vocals will give the world premiere of ‘Traveler’s Prayer’, a work with profound resonance for our times. The deeply-felt word-setting (once again in Hebrew, using extracts from Genesis, Exodus and Pslams) supported by strings, vibraphones and a lone pianist (almost exclusively cast way beyond the depths of the bass clef) will, I am certain, have every listener wrapt in its warm yet intense atmosphere.
From my side personally, it has been an honour to represent this unique musical output over the course of many years - countless projects, tours and recordings. My own ensemble was founded in 2006 on the occasion of the composer’s 70th birthday and it is remarkable to now be celebrating his 85th anniversary with yet another, and yet more thought-provoking new work.
Happy birthday, dear Steve, we salute you and honour you with these concerts, with many more to come.
Colin
The Concertgebouw
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Colin Currie Group | Concertgebouw
Colin Currie Group
Synergy Vocals
Steve Reich: Tehillim
Steve Reich: Traveler’s Prayer
Steve Reich: Music for 18 Musicians
Royal Festival Hall
London, United Kingdom
Colin Currie Group | Southbank Centre
Steve Reich: Runner
Steve Reich: Traveler’s Prayer
Steve Reich: Quartet
Steve Reich: Tehillim
Elbphilharmonie Hamburg
Hamburg, Germany
Elbphilharmonie
Colin Currie Group
Synergy Vocals
Steve Reich: Runner
Steve Reich: Traveler’s Prayer
Steve Reich: Tehillim
Philharmonie de Paris
Paris, France
Colin Currie Group | Philharmonie de Paris
Colin Currie Group
Synergy Vocals
Steve Reich: Tehillim
Steve Reich: Traveler’s Prayer
Steve Reich: Music for 18 Musicians
For a recording of the previous Steve Reich World Premiere written for the group, click here.