The Veil of the Temple

The evening begins in a veil of mystery with a poem by Rumi, the 13th century mystical Sufi poet, sung in the outer round temple and out of sight by the soprano… and accompanied by a duduk. Then in the centre of the church is the rousing sound of a huge Tibetan horn, calling us to prayer... Here the veil is lifted, and East and West become one and the soprano heroically intones dazzling high Cs. The organ thunders... There is braying of brass, a final majestic "OM" and the Sanskrit "Tat tvam asi" (That I am) ... a meeting of all cultures in one work! Be prepared to levitate!

'At the end, in a marvellous coup de théâtre, the choir led us out into the dawn to a joyful chant from the Hindu scriptures. As I emerged, dazed and elated, I felt that I had just witnesses Tavener's masterpiece.'Ivan Hewett, The Daily Telegraph.

'If Tavener could top that, I thought, he just might have a vision of paradise in store.'Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times

To be performed in the presence of the composer.

Duration: 2hrs 40 mins [this is the concert version]