Recital by Svyati Duo

 

2.12.2023 (Sat) 4pm
Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall

Free admission with ticket (Online Registration)

Svyati Duo

Since forming their duo partnership over thirteen years ago, Rebecca Hepplewhite (cello) and Julian Collings (organ) have performed in venues of all sizes, from churches and town halls to major cathedrals and concert halls. Highlights include performances at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in 2012, St Paul's Cathedral in London, Tokyo University Concert Hall and a concert at Worcester Cathedral. In 2020 they were invited to perform two recitals for the National Convention of the American Guild of Organists in Atlanta. The duo takes its name from Julian and Rebecca's first collaboration as conductor and cellist in a performance of Sir John Tavener's masterpiece 'Svyati' for solo cello and choir. Rebecca and Julian maintain a diverse and exciting repertoire, from Baroque sonatas through to substantial Romantic and contemporary works, and are committed to performing music that displays the diversity of their wonderful instrumental combination. A tireless search for repertoire continues to reward them with unjustly neglected original works, and their passion for new music has led them to commission works from leading composers including David Bednall, Russell Hepplewhite, Colin Riley, Iain Farrington and Timothy Salter. The Svyati Duo has recorded two CDs on the Regent Records label, both of which received unanimous worldwide critical acclaim. Radio broadcasts include BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, RTÉ lyric and American Public Media. Their third recording will be released in 2023 and will feature contemporary music including three of the duo's own commissions.

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Julian Collings (Organ)

Julian was educated as an organ scholar at Tonbridge School in Kent, before gaining an organ scholarship to Christ’s College, Cambridge in 1999 studying under David Sanger and Thomas Trotter. He is currently the Director of Music at St Cyprian's Church, Clarence Gate in London, a post which he combines with an international performing career as an organist and conductor. In addition to his schedule with Svyati Duo, he is the Musical Director of the much acclaimed Arcubus Ensemble and also regularly performs with Benedict Lewis-Smith as the Oxbridge Organ Duo. His recent engagements include performances at Kristiansand Cathedral in Norway and the Victoria International Arts Festival in Malta.

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Rebecca Hepplewhite (Cello)

Rebecca Hepplewhite performs internationally as a cellist and has given recitals throughout Europe, the USA, Asia and South Africa, with notable chamber and solo engagements including appearances at the Wigmore Hall, Bridgewater Hall and Purcell Room. She is the cellist with the Pomegranate Piano Trio and enjoys a busy career performing and recording with many of the UK's leading chamber orchestras. A strong advocate of new music, she has commissioned and premiered many new works, both with the Svyati Duo and with other ensembles. Recent solo engagements include performances of the Elgar and Dvořák Concertos.

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Programme

J. S. Bach (1685 – 1750)
Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639

J. Jongen (1873 – 1953)
Humoresque, Op. 92

H. Zimmer (b. 1957)
Interstellar

M. Bruch (1838-1920)
Kol Nidrei, Op. 47

M. Dupré (1886 - 1971)
Sonata in A minor, Op. 60
  Allegro marcato
  Allegro moderato
  Allegro ma non troppo

Free tickets will be available, limited to four per person, on a first-come-first-served basis at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre enquiries counter between 9 am and 9 pm, or through online registration starting from 3 November (Fri). Children aged 6 and above are welcome. The programme lasts approximately 45 minutes without intermission.

The presenter reserves the right to substitute artists and change programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.

The content of this programme does not represent the views of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Enquiries: 2734 2819 / 2734 2009