Colin Currie: The Inspiration of Reich

The evening is dedicated to the evolving rhythmic and harmonic language of Steve Reich, tracing a path from intimate textures to large-scale choral architecture. You will first hear New York Counterpoint, a piece that layers intricate melodic patterns to create a dense, pulsing landscape. This is followed by the Music for Ensemble and Orchestra, which explores the interplay between solo groups and a full symphonic body. After the interval, the focus shifts to The Desert Music. This substantial work for chorus and ensemble sets poetry to music, using shifting orchestral colours and repetitive vocal lines to evoke a sense of vast, open space. As you listen, try to follow the subtle changes in the pulse and how the interlocking patterns between the singers and the instrumentalists create a continuous, shimmering wall of sound. The performance lasts two hours and offers a comprehensive survey of how minimalism can transform from a solo heartbeat into a complex, monumental expression of human experience.

Colin Currie leads this performance, acting as both conductor and a guiding force for this exploration of contemporary rhythm. He is joined by the Dunedin Consort Chorus, a group based in Scotland that is widely respected for its clarity and precision in complex vocal works. While often associated with earlier periods, the ensemble here applies its detailed approach to the rigorous demands of minimalist music. Sound designer Ian Dearden provides the technical framework necessary to balance the amplified voices and instruments, ensuring the intricate layers of the score remain distinct within the large acoustic of the concert hall.

This performance takes place at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and has a total running time of 120 minutes, including an interval. Because of the hypnotic and accessible nature of the music, the evening is well-suited if you are visiting a contemporary choral concert for the first time. The central work features vocal settings of poetry, though the emphasis is often on the phonetic and rhythmic qualities of the words. There is no specific dress code for this venue, so you should wear what makes you feel comfortable for a full-length Saturday evening programme.