World renowned choir to perform Scottish first in Aberdeen

A choir widely recognised as one of the best choruses in the world is to perform for the first time in Scotland – in the Granite City.

Grammy Award winners Polyphony, conducted by Stephen Layton, will give a concert on Friday (February 5) as part of the University of Aberdeen concert series.

They will perform music by Morten Lauridsen, Eric Whitacre, Bruckner, Poulenc and Sir John Tavener and also premiere a new piece by University of Aberdeen composer Paul Mealor entitled, Sanctuary Haunts.

The new work, to text by Professor Peter Davidson, Chair in Renaissance Studies at the University of Aberdeen, Professor John Barnes of University College Dublin, and the late poet R S Parkes, was commissioned by the University to celebrate the quincentenary of the consecration of King’s College Chapel.

The words all deal with aspects of religious and spiritual sanctuary and are a refection of the role the chapel has played in its 500-year history.

Described by the Independent on Sunday as 'superb: one of the best professional ensembles in the business', Polyphony performs and records regularly to wide critical acclaim.

Recent highlights include a second consecutive Grammy Award nomination for their Whitacre CD Cloudburst, a performance of Bach's St John Passion at the Aldeburgh Easter Festival, and a critically-acclaimed performance at the annual BBC Proms.

They have given concerts in France, Spain, Brazil, Denmark and perform annually in London at St John’s Smith Square.

Dr Mealor, Senior Lecturer in Music, University of Aberdeen said: “Polyphony are one of the best choirs in the world and have amassed legions of fans through regular performances on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.

“The choir will present a relaxed concert of tuneful, beautiful sacred and secular music and we are delighted to bring Polyphony to Aberdeen for their first performance in Scotland.

“It is a great honour to have a choir with such an unrivalled reputation premiering my work, Sanctuary Haunts.”

Polyphony will perform at the Cathedral Church of St Andrew, King Street, Aberdeen, on Friday (February 5) at 7.45pm.

Tickets (£8/ £5 Concessions/ £2 students) are available from Aberdeen Box Office 01224 641122 (http://www.boxofficeaberdeen.com/) or on the door.