2022 Season

the sacred veil

Polyphonic Voices is proud to be a part of the Australian premiere of Eric Whitacre's new work for choir, cello and piano, entitled The Sacred Veil. Written with poet and long-time collaborator Charles Anthony Silvestri, this 12-movement work tells a story of love, loss, grief, and the search for solace. And although the personal inspiration at its core is the death of Silvestri’s wife, this intimate and compelling score follows a very human – and very relatable – journey. The music itself is everything we’ve come to expect from Whitacre – shimmering harmonies, luxurious sonorities, searing intensity.

“The Sacred Veil is a story for us all,” says Whitacre, “everyone has a place of pain that we can hardly bear to touch” and it taps into the way music – and especially singing – can help us grieve and heal.

In a rare Australian appearance, Whitacre will conduct the combined forces of The Choir of Trinity College and Polyphonic Voices, along with cellist Rosanne Hunt and pianist Rhodri Clarke.

Melbourne performances

Wednesday 7 September 2022 - 7:30pm

Thursday 8 September 2022 - 7:30pm

Alexander Theatre, The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts, Monash University

Tickets

$20 - $69