John Tavener’s ethereal masterpiece for soprano, piano quintet and Tibetan temple bowls sprang from his discovery of the poems of the Swiss philosopher Frithjof Schuon, a defining moment in the composer’s lifelong quest to express beauty and truth through music. The continuous, ecstatic flow of sound achieves what the Chicago Tribune described as a “Messiaen-like state of transcendental beauty and grace”.
This rare performance of the cycle of mystical love songs and canons marks a double anniversary: 10 years since the composer’s death in 2013, and two decades of the Temple Music Foundation, which was formed to commission Tavener’s seven-hour vigil The Veil of the Temple in 2003.
The performance lasts approximately 70 minutes.
"A major work of beguiling beauty"
The Times on Schuon Lieder"One of the most purely beautiful things – at once worldly and otherworldly – that John Tavener has created"
Stephen JohnsonAvailable here until 12noon on the day of the performance
020 7427 5641
Online and Telephone bookings are subject to a £2.00 booking fee.
Tickets are available on the door 30 minutes before the performance (subject to availability, cash and cheque only)
Please note that we can only offer refunds in the event that the concert is Sold Out and we are able to re-sell your ticket.