SVYATI DUO * TUES., FEB 16 at 7:30 PM
“A wonderful cellist with deep spirit.” Benjamin Zander Conductor (Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, USA)
Philadelphia Cathedral is pleased to host a performance by the Svyati Duo, Rebecca Hewes, cello and Julian Collings, organ on Tuesday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m. Free will offering.
ABOUT THE MUSICIANS
Since forming at the beginning of 2009, Svyati Duo, Rebecca Hewes, cello and Julian Collings, organ, have taken their seldom heard instrumental combination to venues all over the UK and Europe with future engagements including Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London and concerts in the Channel Islands and France.
They take their name from their first collaboration in 2007, as cellist and conductor, in a performance of John Tavener’s rarely performed masterpiece ‘Svyati’ for choir and cello solo. This has also recently resulted in the composer becoming their patron. Their first recording of this unusual repertoire is due to be released by the end of 2009 on the Regent Records label.
Rebecca Hewes cello has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in concerts throughout the UK and abroad. Born in 1983, she studied at Chetham’s School of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music, where she graduated in 2005 with first-class honours. Her teachers have included Hannah Roberts, David Smith and Phillip Sheppard. During her time at the Royal Academy Rebecca also extensively studied Baroque Cello with Jennifer Ward-Clarke.
She has appeared in chamber music festivals and concert series’ throughout the country, performing in prestigious venues such as the Wigmore Hall and Bridgewater Hall, and abroad as Artist in Residence for the Indaba New Music Festival 2008 in South Africa. She has performed all of the major Cello Concerto works throughout England and overseas, including concerto tours of Ireland, France and Spain. In addition to her long-standing cello and piano duo partnership with pianist and composer Russell Hepplewhite, with whom she has performed many recitals in major venues, festivals and concert series’, Rebecca performs regularly with several ensembles.
Julian Collings organ was educated as an organ scholar at Tonbridge School in Kent, before gaining an organ scholarship to Christ’s College, Cambridge in 1999. He gained the associateship diploma of the Royal College of Organists whilst still at Tonbridge studying under Thomas Trotter and Sarah Baldock. He continued his organ studies in Cambridge with David Sanger, graduating with a music degree in the summer of 2002. During his time at Christ’s, Julian accompanied the college choir on tour to Scandinavia, the USA and Canada both as organist and conductor, as well as playing on a number of critically-acclaimed CD releases.
Julian is currently organist at St Augustine’s Church in South Kensington and regularly deputises as an organist at St Bride’s Church on Fleet Street. In addition to his church work, Julian is Musical Director of the London chamber choir Ad Libitum and also directs a versatile vocal group called Con Brio who specialise in the provision of entertainment for corporate functions. He is accompanist to a number of other London choirs and teaches the organ throughout the London area. As a recitalist he has performed extensively both in the UK and overseas as well as broadcasting for BBC radio. Recent recital engagements have included Sheffield Cathedral, St Alban’s Abbey and St John’s College Cambridge as well as a number of recitals around the Channel Islands and France.
For more information on this concert and other upcoming events at Cathedral, please call 215.386.0234 ext 104. Free will offering
25 Jan, 2010 — Daniel Tomko
