Aurora Orchestra and star cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason unite for Bloch’s rapturous Schelomo before Aurora takes on its biggest challenge to date: Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, performed from memory.
‘What next from memory for this peerless ensemble? The Rite of Spring perhaps?’ remarked the Evening Standard following Aurora’s 2021 Firebird Prom. ‘If anyone can do it, these guys certainly could.’ Riotous, avant-garde and downright daring, Stravinsky’s 1913 The Rite of Spring was the catalyst that redefined both the music and ballet worlds, contradicting every rule previously written. Aurora’s landmark memorised performances of the work this summer – the first in history – promise to be one of the most exciting moments of the classical calendar in this or any other season. Expect electrifying communication both on stage and with the audience, thrilling musical detail and dazzling virtuosity.
In musical contrast, Sheku Kanneh-Mason brings his ‘impressive poise, strikingly rich tonal depth, and ample dramatic intensity’ (Boston Globe) to the lyrical lines of Schelomo, the final work in Bloch’s Jewish Cycle. As the composer battled with his own state of mind, he found solace in the despairing character of King Solomon, beautifully depicting the King’s woes in an expressive lamentation.
Aurora Orchestra is grateful to the following individuals and organisations for their generous support of this project: Nicholas and Margo Snowman, Richard and Rosamund Bernays, Liz Forgan, Louise Kaye, Michael and Rita Laven, Jonathan Deakin and James Marsh, Richard and Helen Sheldon, Suzanne Szczetnikowicz, Eduardo Tamraz, Garrick Charitable Trust and The Leche Trust. Aurora’s performance is dedicated to the memory of Nicholas Snowman OBE, who died earlier this year.