Opening Concert: La Pasión según San Marcos
Latin American music meets Afro-Cuban and contemporary classical in this bold interpretation of Christ’s Crucifixion, in the first of two Passion concerts.
Our first opening concert is Osvaldo Golijov’s captivatingly rhythmic La Pasión según San Marcos.
The Argentinian composer crosses cultural boundaries with this transformative interpretation of Christ’s crucifixion. Golijov’s dramatic score weaves together samba, tango, Flamenco and Gregorian chant with live capoeira and dance, all propelled forward by energetic percussion.
The text is just as unusual. Instead of standard biblical translations, he uses text from gospel pamphlets sold on the street all over Latin America, combined with the Hebrew Kaddish (prayer for the dead) and modern-day Spanish poetry.
Portuguese conductor Joana Carneiro joins musicians brought together especially for the Scottish premiere of this poignant work. The Caracas-based choir, Schola Cantorum of Venezuela, are integral to the piece, included in every performance since its 2000 premiere. They are joined by the National Youth Choir of Scotland and a line-up of soloists from jazz, popular and classical backgrounds.
Golijov’s piece was one of four Passions commissioned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the death of Johann Sebastian Bach. The next day, the same miracle of faith is explored in a vividly contrasting performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion.
Buy standard price tickets for both Opening Weekend concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. Excludes concessions and top-price tickets, more details over on Booking Info.
a roaring success
the first indisputably great composition of the 21st centuryThe Boston Globe
Supported by Dunard Fund with additional support from Camões I.P.
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A souvenir programme is available for this performance. Available at the venue for £10 (card only). You can also pick up a freesheet with all the essential information you’ll need.
La Pasión según San Marcos by Osvaldo Golijov
Commissioned by the International Bach Academy in Stuttgart, on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s death.
Orquesta La Pasión
Musicians from the RSNO
Joana Carneiro Conductor
National Youth Choir of Scotland
Christopher Bell Chorus Director
Schola Cantorum de Venezuela
María Guinand Chorus Director
Osvaldo Golijov La Pasión según San Marcos
Soloists
Luciana Souza Vocalist
Reynaldo González-Fernandez Vocalist & Dancer
Sophia Burgos Soprano
Poncianinho Capoeira dancer
Performances of the Work are given by permission of Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers Limited.
TICKET PRICES AND CONCESSIONS
A limited number of £10 Affordable Tickets are available for every concert. First, log into your online account or create a new account if you don’t have one. £10 Affordable Tickets are available in the Upper Circle in Price Q only. Select your seat(s) in this area and add the tickets to your basket. Enter promo code INVITED at checkout, and your ticket(s) will be discounted to £10.
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Arts workers and under 30s are entitled to a 30% concession discount. Arts workers and under 30s concessions are not available on top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H). Proof of eligibility may be requested at venues.
All concessions are subject to availability. Ticket prices may vary from previously published prices.
MULTIBUY OFFERS
We have a variety of multibuy offers where you can save 20% on standard price tickets when you buy tickets for multiple shows. Multibuy offers will only apply when tickets are purchased in the same transaction.
Opera Lovers: Buy standard price tickets for three or more operas (Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, Oedipus Rex, Così fan tutte, and Capriccio) and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
Opening Weekend Concerts: Buy standard price tickets for both Opening Weekend concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
Bamberger Residency: Buy standard price tickets for all three Bamberger evening concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
Philharmonia Residency: Buy standard price tickets for all three Philharmonia evening concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
GROUP BOOKINGS
Groups of ten or more receive a 10% discount on full-price tickets for selected performances. For groups of more than 20, phone the box office or email [email protected]
YOUNG CHILDREN POLICY
We adhere to each venue’s individual policy and advise that you contact our box office for further information before booking tickets. We will include age guidance on relevant performances.
TICKET EXCHANGES & REFUNDS
No refunds will be given except in the event of cancellation of a performance. Tickets may be exchanged up to 48 hours before a performance to another performance of the same show, subject to availability. A £1.50 fee per ticket exchanged will be charged.
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Refund Protection is an optional service offered by Edinburgh International Festival and administered by TicketPlan. It is not an insurance policy.