Photocall: New musical collaboration at York Minster
South Indian music will meet choral singing at York Minster on Wednesday (15 July) to create a unique, themed anthem for Interfaith Week 2015.
York Minster’s Choristers will be joined by artists from Manasamitra, an organisation specialising in South Asian arts and cultural experiences, for a workshop to compose a song combining the two musical traditions.
The resulting collaboration will be performed at a special Evensong service at York Minster on Friday 20 November as part of the cathedral’s celebration of national Interfaith Week.
Helen Moore, Community Engagement Officer at York Minster, explained: “The new anthem is the culmination of a hugely successful three-year partnership with Manasamitra and is a great opportunity to create something unique while showcasing and learning about our different musical traditions.
“The song will be a celebration of the partnership, combining elements of South Indian rhythm and music with choral vocals to produce a piece which can be enjoyed during Interfaith Week 2015 and beyond.”
Supriya Nagarajan, Artistic Director of Manasamitra, said:
“I am delighted to collaborate with the talented choir of York Minster in creating an Evensong in the South Indian Carnatic musical traditions. This is a unique and interesting experience for me as a singer/composer and reinforces my firm belief that music is the universal language of mankind. This marks the culmination of a three year partnership between York Minster and Manasamitra and leaves a fitting legacy. “
During the three year partnership, Manasamitra has performed two music and dance productions at York Minster, with a third, Lullaby, taking place on Saturday 21 November. Lullaby is a contemporary exploration of night-time sounds from around the world interspersed with lullabies from India, and tickets for the performance will go on sale in September.
The workshop and partnership is part of York Minster Revealed, a five year project due for completion in 2016, which includes work to welcome new visitors to the cathedral and develop interfaith partnerships.
For more information about York Minster Revealed or Manasamitra’s performance of Lullaby at York Minster, visit www.yorkminster.org.
For more information about Manasamitra visit www.manasamitra.com
-ENDS –
Note to editors:
- The workshop will take place at St William’s College, College Street, on Wednesday 15 July.
- Media are invited to attend the workshop at 11.45am but must contact the York Minster communications team in advance to confirm attendance/reserve a space.
- Helen Moore, Community Engagement Officer at York Minster and Supriya Nagarajan, Artistic Director of Manasamitra, will be available for interview after the workshop concludes at 12noon.
For media enquiries please contact:
Leanne Woodhurst – Communications Manager – t: 01904 559545 m: 07557 110718
Sharon Atkinson – Director of Communications – t: 01904 557248 m: 07785 615457