Bryars's 'Classics'

Gavin Bryars's score weaves together eight of Shakespeare's sonnets on the subjects of time, memory and music. Through a combination of spoken and sung voices a tentative but profound relationship is drawn between words and music. The performance includes Shakespeare settings by guest composers Antony Hegarty, Mira Calix, Gavin Friday, Alexander Balanescu and Natalie Merchant. Performed by the Gavin Bryars Ensemble and Opera North, with singers Anna Maria Friman (Trio Medieval), John Potter (ex-Hilliard Ensemble) and ex-Virgin Prunes frontman, Gavin Friday. (Commissioned by Opera North and the Royal Shakespeare Company.)