Commotio sing The Making of the Drum

Commotio return to the stunning acoustic of Merton College Chapel with a superb selection of Summer song. With a distinctly African flavour, Commotio will sing the World Première of South African composer Klatzow’s ‘Two Songs from the /Xam’ and the superb ‘The Making of the Drum’ by local composer Bob Chilcott. Klatzow takes his inspiration from folklore collected from the now extinct /Xam bushmen of central South Africa in the 1870s. Chilcott evokes the ritual of drum construction, which he witnessed in Uganda, combining poetry by Edward Kamau Brathwaite with an ecstatic combination of choir and percussion.

Staying true to its pledge to champion the works of emerging contemporary composers and bring to the fore forgotten works, modern pieces by Cooke, Duggan, Pott and Kelly nestle alongside lesser known works by Samuel Coleridge Taylor and Delius. Both Duggan’s ‘Breathe’ and Delius’ ‘To be sung of a summer night on the water’ evoke the calm of a Summer’s evening.

"Commotio's concert ... bore all the hallmarks of this extraordinary choir - a fascinating mix of different styles by mainly contemporary composers, all showcasing these singers' remarkable rapport and range of techniques..."
Nicola Lisle,Oxford Times

“I applaud the fine work of Commotio and the choir’s conductor, Matt Berry. It is so exciting to find a young, vibrant choir that takes such care and pleasure in its commitment and exploration of new music. Go, Commotio!” Eric Whitacre