International Concert Series 2022-23

Jesus' Blood never failed me yet is built on the idea of untainted religious conviction: the fragile, trusting voice of a homeless person, recorded solo then converted into a tape-loop and treated to a seamless, slowly evolving, hypnotic and transcendental accompaniment. The New Music Collective and New Voices Consort return to our series, under the direction of Nathan James Dearden, with a concert of two halves: a special performance of Gavin Bryars' masterpiece, paired with Caroline Shaw's moving cantata based on music of the past, To the Hands. 

Event programme

Caroline Shaw (b. 1982): To the Hands for choir and string ensemble

Nathan James Dearden (b. 1992): Excerpts from Morals + Interludes

Gavin Bryars (b. 1943): Jesus' Blood never failed me yet for mixed ensemble and tape

About the performers

The New Music Collective gives a series of new music concerts each year at Royal Holloway. Its programme features contemporary music by established and emerging composers and regularly features the music of Royal Holloway composers. There are opportunities for students to perform concertos and to collaborate with visiting professional performers including the New Music Ensemble-in-Residence, CHROMA. Recent repertoire has included John Adams's Chamber Symphony, Steve Martland's American Invention, Terry Riley's In C, and a much anticipated performance of Gavin Bryars’ The Sinking of the Titanic as part of the 2017 PLAY! Festival. In 2016, the New Music Collective were the resident ensemble for the inaugural Picture Gallery Composer-in-Residence Scheme. 

Led by Royal Holloway composer and conductor, Nathan James Dearden, the New Voices Consort is a dynamic ensemble whose aim is to present a diverse range of vocal and choral music of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries to the highest standard, facilitating the opportunity for singers and audiences alike to experience new and exciting music. Recent repertoire has included music by Judith Weir, Michael Finnissy (including one world premiere), Nico Muhly, Robert Ashley, David Lang, Howard Skempton, Nathan James Dearden, and Benjamin Tassie. This vocal ensemble had their inaugural concert as part of an exciting three-day festival in October 2016, Spotlight Series: Finnissy at 70,in the presence of esteemed British composer Michael Finnissy and Master of the Queen's Music, Judith Weir.