Rachmaninoff’s All-night Vigil (Rachmaninoff’s Vespers)

For our summer concert, we’re delighted to be performing Rachmaninoff’s intense and profoundly moving All-night Vigil (often referred to as his Vespers, although the Vespers sections actually make up only part of the work). Premiered in 1915, the work was one of Rachmaninoff’s two favourites from his own compositions. Indeed, he requested that the fifth movement, Nunc dimittis, should be played at his funeral. Rather like Handel with Messiah, Rachmaninoff composed this choral and religious masterpiece in an astonishingly short time – in under two weeks, in fact. This mesmeric, haunting and mystical work is largely based on chants drawn from the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Come along and immerse yourself in an other-worldly atmosphere of intense spirituality, devotion and beauty drawn from deep wells of Russian piety (just for the evening, mind you, not all night!).

Tickets on sale now. Pre-order your programme (digital or hardcopy available) with your booking.

Please note that refreshments will be served after the concert, which will last about 1 hour 10 mins. Feel free to bring a cushion.