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SAPIENS

Inseparable imaginations

Southbank Centre's Purcell Room, London

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Image: The Venus of Brassempouy, one of the earliest depictions of a human face ever discovered, at around 25,000 years old.

Mark Bowden’s new saxophone concerto is inspired by Yuval Noah Harari’s extraordinary history of humankind; Sapiens. It forms part of a fascinating evening exploring links between musical composition and literature, presented by journalist and writer Bidisha. Also featuring the world premiere of Colin Matthews’ As Time Returns; a setting of poems by Czech poet Ivan Blatný, who was exiled to England in 1948, and Oliver Knussen's Songs Without Voices, this varied evening of music and discussion will give you food for thought.

Mark Bowden Sapiens (saxophone concerto) (world premiere of a London Sinfonietta commission)
Oliver Knussen Songs Without Voices (1992)
Colin Matthews As Time Returns (world premiere of a London Sinfonietta commission)

Bidisha presenter
Jessica Cottis conductor
George Humphreys baritone
Simon Haram saxophone
London Sinfonietta

 

Post-concert conversation, Purcell Room 
Bidisha talks to composers Mark Bowden and Colin Matthews about their new works and literary inspirations. 

 

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  • £20 (plus booking fee)

    Venue: (view map)

    Purcell Room
    Southbank Centre
    Belvedere Rd
    Lambeth
    London SE1 8XX

    Box Office No:
    02038799555