Cantate Chicago, a mixed chamber choir conducted by Benjamin Rivera, presents Ikon of Light: A Tribute to John Tavener with two concerts in the Chicago area. The program will include the local premiere of Sir John Kenneth Tavener’s “Ikon of Light”. Unfolding as a ritual in musical terms, it is a radiant work for choir and string trio sustained through seven mystical movements. Tavener, a convert to Orthodox Christianity, was inspired by the texts of St. Symeon, one of the greatest theologian-poets in the Christian tradition. Other works in the program include “Song for Athene” which was performed at the funeral of Princess Diana and "The Lamb", a choral composition that was included in the soundtrack in the 2014 Oscar award winning film The Great Beauty. Tavener, who died in 2013, was a leading British composer known for his extensive output of spiritual works.
Tickets are $20 ($10 for students) and are available at www.cantatechicago.org, on Facebook, or at the door.
ABOUT CANTATE CHICAGO Founded in 1997, Cantate Chicago is a mixed chamber choir comprised of both professional and avocational singers whose goal is to explore mainly a cappella music from all time periods, cultures and lands. Previous appearances include services and concerts at various Chicago-area houses of worship, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s “Celebrations” series and Evanston’s First Night. Cantate Chicago has also appeared at the Chicago History Museum and the Chicago Cultural Center.