Latin American music meets Afro-Cuban and contemporary classical in this bold interpretation of Christ’s Crucifixion, in the first of two Passion concerts.

Our first opening concert is Osvaldo Golijov’s captivatingly rhythmic La Pasión según San Marcos.

The Argentinian composer crosses cultural boundaries with this transformative interpretation of Christ’s crucifixion. Golijov’s dramatic score weaves together samba, tango, Flamenco and Gregorian chant with live capoeira and dance, all propelled forward by energetic percussion.

The text is just as unusual. Instead of standard biblical translations, he uses text from gospel pamphlets sold on the street all over Latin America, combined with the Hebrew Kaddish (prayer for the dead) and modern-day Spanish poetry.

Portuguese conductor Joana Carneiro joins musicians brought together especially for the Scottish premiere of this poignant work. The Caracas-based choir, Schola Cantorum of Venezuela, are integral to the piece, included in every performance since its 2000 premiere. They are joined by the National Youth Choir of Scotland and a line-up of soloists from jazz, popular and classical backgrounds.

Golijov’s piece was one of four Passions commissioned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the death of Johann Sebastian Bach. The next day, the same miracle of faith is explored in a vividly contrasting performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion.

The Warm Up: Opening Concert

Nicola Benedetti is joined by Composer Osvaldo Golijov and Edinburgh Festival Chorus Conductor James Grossmith to discuss this pair of opening concerts: two monumental and contrasting interpretations of Christ's crucifixion.

Osvaldo tells us how he does his best work before dawn, and explains how he has brought the diverse instrumentation of South America into this performance of La Pasión según San Marcos. James highlights the historical significance of this arrangement of Bach’s majestic St Matthew Passion, and the rituals he and the Festival Chorus share in preparing for such an important performance.

The Warm Up: Opening Concert

edintfest · The Warm Up: Opening Concerts

Buy standard price tickets for both Opening Weekend concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. Excludes concessions and top-price tickets, more details over on Booking Info.

0 Stars
a roaring success
The New York Times

0 Stars
the first indisputably great composition of the 21st century
The Boston Globe

Supported by Dunard Fund with additional support from Camões I.P.

www.instituto-camoes.pt/en/

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Edinburgh International Festival

Opening Concert: La Pasión según San Marcos

Opening Concert: La Pasión según San Marcos

The Warm Up: Opening Concert

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A souvenir programme is available for this performance. Available at the venue for £10 (card only). You can also pick up a freesheet with all the essential information you’ll need.

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