London Sinfonietta: Henze’s Voices

A fascinating assemblage of voices from across the world: the London Sinfonietta performs vital music for our time.

“These are the voices of the offended or humiliated … of defeated people finding other value, other notes, other voices for themselves.” So wrote Hans Werner Henze on his song collection Voices, commissioned by the London Sinfonietta and premiered in 1973. This extraordinary work fully embodies its commitment to diversity and to Henze’s political aspirations, with its songs of protest and resistance across four languages and in a dazzling variety of musical styles – from cabaret to rigorous contemporary to light opera to improv. The ensemble – comprising some 70 different instruments – further amplifies the global nature of Voices, with its Trinidad steel drums, marimba and log drum alongside western woodwind instruments. Sixteen of the original 22 songs will be performed in this concert.

Britten Pears Arts further emphasises its foundational commitment to contemporary music with three new co-commissions (with London Sinfonietta).

Download programme notes.

London Sinfonietta
Nathalie Joachim voice
Carina Vinke mezzo-soprano
Benjamin Hulett tenor
Christian Karlsen conductor

Nathalie Joachim:: M anvi chante peyi m (I will want to sing of my country) (Britten Pears Arts co-commission / world premiere) (10’)
Louise Drewett:: Environmental Songs (Britten Pears Arts co-commission / world premiere) (10’)
Aldeburgh Young Musicians/Patrick Bailey, arr. Louise Drewett:: Due Arrangements (Britten Pears Arts co-commission / world premiere) (10’)
Henze:: Voices (Selection) (60’)

With English surtitles.

Man with short dark hair wearing a dark top and holding his hand to his face and smiling. — Christian Karlsen
©Nadja Sjoblorn

Main image: London Sinfonietta © Monika Jakubowska

M anvi chante peyi m by Nathalie Joachim is co-commissioned by Britten Pears Arts, the London Sinfonietta, Holland Festival and NTR Zaterdag.
Matinee Environmental Songs by Louise Drewett is co-commissioned by Britten Pears Arts and the London Sinfonietta with the generous support of the Cuddigan Oliver Trust.
Due Arrangements by Aldeburgh Young Musicians / Patrick Bailey, arr. Louise Drewett, is co-commissioned by Britten Pears Arts and the London Sinfonietta with the generous support of the Cuddigan Oliver Trust.

With thanks to Anthony Mackintosh and Críona Palmer for their kind support.

View Aldeburgh Festival programme notes.