the psalms project wickford
The Psalms Project
A unique event combining performances of new sacred music with interfaith discussion.
Performed by acclaimed violinist Emma-Marie Kabanova, this interactive event features new psalm-inspired works written by an international collection of Jewish and Christian composers.
FRIDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2022 19:00-21:00 BST
St. Andrew’s Church, Wickford
11 London Road SS12 0AN, UNITED KINGDOM
MORE INFORMATION
Through a combination of live performances and informal discussions, this event invites listeners to consider the ways these new compositions respond to the Biblical texts that inspired them. What insight into these ancient poems do these works provide for us today? How do they help us experience the psalms in new ways? Can they teach us anything about the spiritual dimension of Scripture? What do they tell us about contemporary sacred music’s ability to contribute to dialogues about faith in our secular society?
Moderated by musician, scholar, and teacher Delvyn Case, this event is open to anyone. No religious background or musical experience is necessary. Attendees may participate in the discussion or simply enjoy the music and the conversation.
No tickets required. A retiring collection will be taken.
REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE HERE
READ THE ARTICLE FROM THE STRAD MAGAZINE ABOUT THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF THIS EVENT
ABOUT THE PERFORMER
Danish/British violinist Emma-Marie Kabanova completed a Master’s degree at Goldsmith’s College, University of London where she specialized in performance of music by late Soviet composers. She completed further studies in violin performance at the Novosibirsk Conservatory and studied privately with a principal violinist of the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra in Moscow, Russia.
Formerly based in Moscow, Emma-Marie was a guest Principal with the Moscow Baroque Soloists, performed with Opera Omnia early opera company and was the artistic director of Globus Music baroque ensemble where she created collaborative projects with singers and dancers from the Bolshoi Theatre, the Helikon Opera and the Stanislavsky Theatre. Recent concerts include appearances with the Oxford Alternative Orchestra UK, The National Chamber Orchestra of Moldova, and at festivals in the UK, Hungary and Turkey.
Emma-Marie teaches violin and has worked as a classroom music teacher. Between 2007 and 2014 she set up musical education projects working with terminally ill children in Siberia and young offenders in an institution in Moscow. In 2017 was given a ‘Points of Light’ award by the UK Prime Minister for this work. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Emma-Marie found it impossible to stay in Russia and returned to the UK where she has been working as a freelance violinist.
COMPOSITIONS
Three of the four compositions featured at this event have recently been released on Deus Ex Musica Records’ new recording SEARCH ME, O GOD - New Violin Works Inspired by the Psalms. Listen to the complete album here.
Judith Lang Zaimont: My Heart Within Me is Desolate (Psalm 143:4)
“Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications...
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul...
My spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.” ”
Delvyn Case - Psalm 133
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!”
Michel Klein - Ura (Psalm 57)
“Awake, my soul!
Awake, O stringed instrument and harp!
I will give you thanks before the nations, O Lord.
ע֚וּרָה”
Tatev Amiryan - A Song of Ascents (Psalm 121)
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”