Hesperion XXI

Be swept away by the romance of the music of troubadours and travellers; of courts and caravans when acclaimed Spanish ensemble Hesperion XXI performs in Auckland for the first time ever on Saturday 8 November as the final event in Chamber Music New Zealand’s 2008 calendar as part of THE EDGE® International Arts Season.

Respected as the world’s leading early-music ensemble, Hesperion XXI have twice performed in the New Zealand International Arts Festival (in 1996 and 2000) and now return to New Zealand with Chamber Music New Zealand for two very special performances in Auckland and Wellington.

Founded in 1974 by Jordi Savall and his wife Montserrat and with a focus on music from before 1800, Hesperion XXI has been credited as rescuing numerous musical works from oblivion, bringing works from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods to 21st century audiences.

Hesperion XXI has performed all over the world, recorded numerous CDs and have an international following.

“We are absolutely delighted to bring Hesperion XXI back to New Zealand to finish our 2008 season on a real high note,” says Chamber Music New Zealand chief executive Euan Murdoch.

The November concert will feature Jordi Savall performing on lira de arco, rebab and viola de gamba, with his wife Montserrat Figueras on vocals together with their two children, Arianna Savall (singer and medieval and renaissance harp), and Ferran Savall (singer, theorbo and guitar), along with Driss El Maloumi (oud and percussion), Begoňa Olivade (psalterium and singer) and Pedro Estevan (percussion).

The programme will feature music from traditional and ancient oral melodies and dances from Spain, Greece, Israel, France and Morocco, selected and arranged by the ensemble and also featuring new songs and improvisations created by Arianna and Ferran Savall, threading the past and present together in a continuously unfolding musical narrative.

Don’t miss hearing the stunning Hesperion XXI for the first time ever in Auckland on Saturday 8 November at the Auckland Town Hall. Book at Ticketek on 0800 TICKETEK or www.ticketek.co.nz. For more information visit www.chambermusic.co.nz

"The term 'early-music superstar' is surely an oxymoron. But in the most understated of repertory, on the most subdued of instruments and in the most self effacing way, Jordi Savall comes close to being one." – New York Times.

Event listed by SWPR Ltd

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