| THOMAS TALLIS’S SPEM IN ALIUM STREAMED LIVE FROM TATE MODERN’S TURBINE HALL CELEBRATING 450TH ANNIVERSARY |
In 1570 British composer Thomas Tallis, wrote one of the most iconic works for the human voice. Spem in Aliumis a monumental work composed for 40 separate singers. To celebrate the 450th anniversary of this work, Tate Modern and the ORA Singers are hosting a unique socially-distanced livestream from the Turbine Hall on 16 September 2020 at 20:00-21:00.
The ORA Singers will also perform the world premiere of a specially commissioned 40-part work by one of the UK’s greatest living choral composers, Sir James MacMillan. This piece reflects the message of ‘Spem’, meaning hope, for the modern day.
This performance was scheduled for May 2020, to coincide with Tate Modern’s 20th birthday. The event was postponed with the galleries closed during lockdown. We want to bring Tallis’ message of hope across the centuries and to make a gesture of solidarity to other art forms.
Stephen Fry, President of ORA Singers, said: “I’ve listened to it three times and it’s impossible to respond coherently. It’s such a shattering experience. I can’t even begin to grasp the brilliance of it.”
Programme
- Welcome introduction by Frances Morris, Director of Tate Modern
- Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis
- Ave Verum by William Byrd
- Ave Verum Reimagined by Roderick Williams
- Vidi Aquam by Sir James MacMillan
Each piece will begin with a short introduction.
Performance supported by Naomi Milgrom AC
Date:
16 September 2020 at 20.00–21.00
Online Event:
Access the live stream on this page on the night
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/online-event/performance/ora-singers
With a mother whose family name was Tallis and whose family tree goes back to the 17th century I can only applaud this marvellous experience from the Tate and wish it every success in bridging the gap of five centuries with Sir James MacMillan’s new 40 Parter which I heard last week being broadcast. It sounded so convincing and true to the spirit of that by Tallis.