Lorelei Ensemble is a nine-member vocal ensemble that has become known for its inventive programs and its collaborations with noted music organizations and a host of today’s leading composers. Founded in Boston in 2007 and led by artistic director Beth Willer, the ensemble has been hailed for its “rich and diverse vocal palette” and for its embrace of repertoire, both new and existing, that stretch the performers and their audiences.
Lorelei Ensemble is bringing its latest tour project, This Tyrant, Love, to Knoxville on Friday, March 25, at the Church of Ascension at 7:30 PM. This performance is part of Ascension’s FOMA Series (Friends of Music and the Arts). >> TICKETS
Church of the Ascension, 800 S. Northshore Drive
Described as “a journey through ancient and modern tales of love and longing,” This Tyrant, Love is designed around Lorelei Ensemble’s treble and women’s voices with accompaniment by lutenist, Kevin Payne. The program moves through 17th century madrigals, then contrasts with striking modern works.
Luzzasco Luzzaschi (1545-1607) – Troppo Ben Può
Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) – Ardo E Scoprir, Ahi Lasso, Io Non Ardisco
Luigi Rossi (1597-1653) – Disperate Speranze
Alessandro Piccinini (1566-1638) – “Passacaglia” From Intavolatura Di Liuto
Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677) – Le Tre Grazie A Venere
Björk (B. 1965) – Solstice
Caroline Shaw (B. 1982) – Dolce Cantavi
Laura Mvula (B. 1986) (Arr. Voss/Rudoi) – She
David Lang (B. 1957) – Selections From Love Fail
The concluding Lang selections are from Love Fail, a work that touches on the timelessness of love that weaves together details from retellings of Tristan and Isolde. Lorelei Ensemble released a recording of Lang’s work in 2020 on Cantaloupe Records. David Lang was the recipient of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize in Music for The Little Match Girl Passion and is one of the co-founders of Bang on a Can.
