Jerusalem

16 May, 2.30am | Norwich Theatre Royal

Jordi Savall, Hespèrion XXI, La Capella Reial de Catalunya and Al Darwish | Visit website

UK première

There are few musicians as mesmerising as Jordi Savall, the legendary viola da gambist, whose vibrant performances have captivated audiences for decades. Following a triumphant appearance in 2008 he returns to the Festival with his ensembles Hespèrion XXI, La Capella Reial de Catalunya and Al Darwish – a total of 38 musicians – to present an astonishing programme charting the history of Jerusalem from 1200BC to the present day through its rich music heritage.

The music ranges from the sound of the shofars in the Jericho fanfare, to a series of songs, laments and instrumental works from the variety of traditions that have become embedded in the cultural fabric of one of the world’s most iconic cities.

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Press reviews

Review 1

Given electric performances and virile repertoire, early music regularly offers uplifting experiences, but do they hit you like bulletins ripped from today’s news? Not often.

Matters are different in Jerusalem. Time and again the 52 tracks of Jordi Savall’s bumper project bring you slap up against the continuing tragedy of Gaza — of wrecked buildings, wailing people, and faiths at war. “There will be a great peace throughout the world, until the end of time,” sings Montserrat Figueras on track two, following the Greek text of a Sibylline oracle.

The rest of the programme uses the history of Jerusalem to plead for that elusive world peace. Jews, Christians, Arabs, Turks, Armenians are all given a voice in music and words from across the centuries, with different religions and cultures battling for dominance and a homeland as the end of time ticks closer.

30 Jan 2009

Full review

Ticket information

£36, £26, £21, £11, £6

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Where available, under 25s £5 tickets can only be booked in person or by calling the Festival hotline on 01603 766400

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In collaboration with EU Commission, Spanish Embassy, Institut Cervantes Manchester, Institut Ramon Llul