Richard Barrett and Jonathan Harvey

Two renowned living composers
Two works inspired by the ancient world brought to life by today’s technology
Two birthday celebrations
One London Sinfonietta

The London Sinfonietta celebrates the birthdays of two distinguished UK composers with performances of a new commission and a seminal work. Richard Barrett (50) and Jonathan Harvey (70) fuse modern electroacoustic sounds with natural orchestral forces creating a unique soundworld.

Mesopotamia, inspired by artefacts found on ancient archeological sites, is London Sinfonietta’s new commission from Richard Barrett. Immerse yourself in the highly detailed score as his amplified orchestral and electronic instruments echo the rise and fall of societies over the ages.

Bhakti, Jonathan Harvey’s seminal and spiritual work, is based on ancient Sanskrit hymns. Complete with taped sounds mixed by computer it pushes the orchestral soundworld to the limits with new timbres, textures and complex rhythms that require extraordinary playing.

Join the London Sinfonietta in this unique showcase of electroacoustic music from two of the UK’s most fêted composers.

Mesopotamia has been commissioned by the London Sinfonietta with generous support from the London Sinfonietta Commissioning Circle.

Jonathan Harvey’s Bhakti is a reflective, spiritual exploration of Sanskrit hymns, some of the world’s oldest religious texts.

A post-concert set by FURT, Richard Barrett and Paul Obermayer’s performance duo, completes the evening as they showcase their electronic work creating unique and expressive sound-structures.

6:15pm Take Note: Pre-concert talk
Richard Barrett discusses his music and answers questions from the audience.