News Story
Did you know that Veil of the Temple is sung in five languages? Here are five other things you may not have known about this stunning composition.
1. It’s 8 hours long
The Veil of the Temple is famed for its length. It is comprised of 8 glorious cycles, each including the same underlying composition. With every cycle, the music climbs in complexity and builds in intensity until the end, when the music has ascended a full octave.
How you experience this performance is deeply personal – participants can feel free to come and go as you need.
2. A gong signifies the end of one cycle and the beginning of the next
Tavener was inspired by the Byzantine system of eight tones – each representing a different spiritual state – to include a ‘Primordial Call’. This call is heralded from Cycles II through VI by sustained notes on a large gong.
“Gong splashes jolt me out of a reverie. As the work progresses, the choral textures are gradually thickening, simple lines becoming interwoven and stacked.” The Guardian
3. It’s only been performed once in the UK since it was written
This performance at the Edinburgh International Festival is a rare delight. This is only the second time it will ever have been performed in the UK. Its last performance was over 20 years ago. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience.
4. It’s inspired by Greek Orthodox vigils
When Tavener wrote Veil of the Temple nearly 20 years ago, he drew from the experience of attending overnight vigils in Greek churches. Byzantine chants rang out hour after hour in marathon liturgical celebrations as the congregation came and went freely.
5. It captures the journey of the soul
As darkness sets and dawn rises, Taverner’s work follows the soul from darkness to light, through the cycles of life and death.
The Veil of the Temple is not an act of worship, nor is it traditional classical music. It is something else entirely. Don’t miss it.
Experience The Veil of The Temple on Sat 2 Aug 2025, 2.30pm at Usher Hall.
