GRASS VALLEY, Calif. October 3, 2017 – The dynamic polyphony of a cappella ensemble VOCES8 will be on full display in Grass Valley Oct. 22 with “Light Divine,” a program of featured works to showcase the beauty and solace derived from a live musical experience. The performance, one of only two in California on their 2017-18 world tour, will be presented by InConcert Sierra.
“Warmth, radiance, guidance and comfort: from the pale glow of moon or starlight to the blaze of summer sun, light has always been a symbol for our most basic human needs, both physical and spiritual,” according to a statement from VOCES8. “In compiling the music for Light Divine, we found ourselves returning time and again to this idea of the desire for comfort being expressed through music…”
The program will include traditional songs by Byrd, Britten, Rachmaninov, Mendelssohn and Bach, along with works by Renaissance composers John Mundy, George Marson and Thomas Hunt. The “Light Divine” will also feature a few contemporary composers whose works also evoke visceral impressions.
“There is for us something inherently comforting about the sound of unaccompanied voices in harmony, and if this programme shows one thing it is that composers across the ages have felt the same way,” according to VOCES8 statement.
British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is now established as one of the world’s most versatile singing groups. Touring extensively throughout Europe, North America and Asia, the ensemble has performed at venues such as the Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Bridgewater Hall Manchester, Cité de la Musique Paris, Vienna Konzerthaus, Tokyo Opera City, National Concert Hall Taipei, National Centre for the Performing Arts Beijing, the Shanghai Concert Hall, Tel Aviv Opera House and Mariinsky Theatre Concert Hall. Artistic collaborations have included the Philharmonia Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, violinist Hugo Ticciati, cellist Matthew Sharp, and pianist/composers Jonathan Dove and Ola Gjeilo, according to their biography.
Audience members will get a chance to learn more about VOCES8 and their program during a 1:15 p.m. pre-concert forum at which Aileen James will host a conversation with the members of the ensemble on stage.
Tickets are $35 for general admission and are available by phone at 530-273-3990, online at www.inconcertsierra.org (ticketing fees will apply) and in person at BriarPatch Co-op in Grass Valley. There are a limited number of youth tickets (ages 5-17) available for at no charge with the purchase of a general admission ticket. Youth tickets must be arranged with the InConcert