Ritual and prayer after Easter - as well as the renewal with spring - are the themes for this Saturday's classical musical recital at the Port Moody home of Anna Levy and Gregory Myers.
The couple, who last year formed the non-profit Yarilo Music Ensemble Society to promote contemporary classic works in an intimate and traditional salon setting, has arranged a program for a season "when people think about their lives a little more," Levy said. "It's a beautiful time to reflect and contemplate, and start afresh."
Sir John Taverner, a British composer known for such religious pieces as The Whale and Funeral Ikos, is featured prominently in the concert, with Yarilo highlighting two of his works: Thrinos for solo cello (to be played by Port Moody's Ian Hampton) and Melina for solo voice (to be sung by soprano Yuliana Tichelova).
Levy herself will take to the stage with fellow pianist Jane Hayes for duets penned by the late Bulgarian composer Julia Tsenova. They will perform her Prayer for the Holy Cross, Shopp Dances and Prayer to a Sigh.
As well, they will tackle Russian powerhouse Sergei Rachmaninoff's Easter, the fourth movement in G-minor from his Suite No. 1 for two pianos "that only lasts about three or four minutes and has the sound of the ringing of the bells after Christ has risen," Levy said. "It's very beautiful and very appropriate for the program."
Still, it's Colin Macdonald's Firewalk that Levy is most looking forward to, as she and Hayes will close the event with the world premiere of his piece that was commissioned exclusively - and at no cost - for the Yarilo recital.
The Vancouver composer penned a number based on Orphic fire dancing. "I don't want to scare people away," Levy laughed, "because it's actually a very sweet piece. We are so very honoured to be playing it."
Admission for the Yarilo show on Saturday, May 12, at 7 p.m., is $25/$15 and available through www.yarilomusic.com. The event takes place at 34 Shoreline Circle, Port Moody. Music lovers unable to attend the performance can watch the concert live streamed, also through Yarilo's website; online donations will go to Macdonald for his commissioned work.
