10th Anniversary Performance – Mixed Bill

The diverse programme opens with Geyer’s Phoenix Fanfare for brass trio and percussion, originally commissioned by the East London Music Group.

This is followed by the world premiere of London Portraits, a new opera-ballet presented as a fusion of jazz and classical music written and composed by Geyer. The music is reflected in the powerful choreography by Taira Foo, combining contemporary ballet with street dance. Performed by acclaimed Anglo-Venezuelan soprano Sofia Kirwan-Baez and award-winning pianist Hamish Brown.

Water Boatman, Geyer’s piece for double-bass and loop pedal was commissioned by the Musician’s Company and the recording was featured on BBC news. This virtuoso piece will be performed for the first time by internationally renowned double bass player, Toby Hughes.

The second half of the programme will feature works reflecting Geyer’s journey researching the music of the Holocaust. Blackbird, commissioned in memory of Holocaust historian Sir Martin Gilbert, is written for baritone, clarinet, violin and cello and will be performed by Simon Wallfisch, grandson of orchestras of Auschwitz survivor Anita Lasker-Wallfisch.

This anniversary programme will conclude with excerpts from the new opera-ballet The Orchestras of Auschwitz Constella Music is creating, featuring music written in the concentration camps. These will be performed by Constella’s chamber orchestra, featuring established soloists Philippa Mo, Ilona Suomalainen  and Sacha Rattle.

Constella Music is the creative powerhouse behind the award-winning composer and conductor, Leo Geyer. Constella Music publishes and performs Geyer’s work spanning opera, dance, film, concert music, and acts as production company for Geyer’s increasing portfolio in broadcast presenting. Collaboration sits at the heart of Constella Music, encompassing pioneering professional musicians and dancers, and collaborations with visual artists, poets, historians, garden designers, architects, scientists, healthcare workers and more. The driving energy behind Constella Music is harnessing the expressive power of music for social good.