Tenebrae: Footsteps and Path of Miracles

Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles was the first major work commissioned by the award-winning professional vocal ensemble, Tenebrae, in 2005 and having received high acclaim (“an evocative odyssey” – The Times) returns this year for an extensive UK tour. To accompany its revival, Tenebrae has commissioned a unique new choral work by Owain Park, Footsteps, which allows Tenebrae to perform alongside its choral development partners – the London Youth Chamber Choir and Music Centres London – and marks Tenebrae’s fifteenth-anniversary season.

The Path of Miracles world premiere was due to take place on 7th July 2005 at St Bartholomew-the-Great, yet this was the day of the London bombings. The premiere was cancelled and rescheduled for ten days later and its inaugural performance became a powerful act of reflection and contemplation. To be able to perform the piece in St Bartholomew’s once again makes this concert both a significant and poignant occasion for Tenebrae.

Path of Miracles is a work based on the most enduring route of Catholic pilgrimage, the great Pilgrimage to Santiago. Candlelight, singing from memory and an imaginative use of the concert space guarantees Tenebrae at its dramatic best in the magnificent setting of London’s oldest church.

Join us at 6:45pm for a free pre-concert talk in the Lady Chapel of St Bartholomew-the-Great with Tenebrae’s Artistic Director, Nigel Short, and composer Joby Talbot, led by Kathryn McDowell.