About

In this event two orchestras, including the university's own symphony, join forces for a powerful reading of Ralph Vaughan Williams's classic string work 'Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis'. Plus new works inspired by Tallis from today's composers, including Jamie Longcake and Ian McCrae. The concert ends with a large-scale eclectic instrumental performance of a new arrangement of Tallis's famous 40 part motet Spem in Alium using 'Syncphonia', the synchronised computer tablets developed by a team at Sussex University's music department.

University of Sussex Symphony Orchestra

Lewes Concert Orchestra

Conducted by Ian McCrae

Programme

Ralph Vaughan Williams, Fantasia on a theme of Thomas Tallis

Ian McCrae, Tallis Fantasia (wp)

Jamie Longcake, Tallis/Agnus Dei (wp)

Thomas Tallis, Tallis' Canon (arranged for orchestra) (wp)

Thomas Tallis, Spem in Alium (mass instrumental)

There will be a pre-concert talk at 7.15pm with the composers and the Syncphonia team, chaired by Alice Eldridge (Lecturer in Music & Music Technology, Media, Film & Music, Sussex).  The talk is free for ticket holders.  It will have a capacity of 60, with places allocated on a first-com, first-served basis.  

Thomas Tallis (1505-1585) was an English composer active through a turbulent time in the country's history who produced some of the country's greatest choral music.  Tallis was a perfectionist whose career spans decades of changing history and in whose work political and artistic imperatives converged. He developed his musical language into his 70s and is most famous for the 40 part motet Spem In Alium.

His work influenced younger composers in his own time, including William Byrd, who he taught, but also inspired twentieth century composers including Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten. In our unique Tallis Festival ensembles, orchestras, choirs, composers and researchers from Sussex, Queen Mary and Southampton universities join forces with the Brighton Early Music Festival to revisit Tallis's legacy and significance through new compositions and interpretations performed live in the stunning auditorium of the Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts.

General Information

Guests with Mobility Impairments

Guests who use a wheelchair or experience mobility impairments are asked to call the box office on 01273 678822 or email info@attenboroughcentre.com so that we can assist you to find the best seat to suit your requirements.

Pay What You Decide

There is an allocation of Pay What You Decide (PWYD) tickets available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Come and see the show without paying anything in advance, and then pay what you think is appropriate at the end of the show. Maximum of four PWYD tickets per person. Please phone the box office on 01273 678822 or email info@attenboroughcentre.com for further information.

Concessions

The Concessions rate is available for students, University of Sussex students, Over 60s, and people in receipt of JSA or DLA/PIP. Proof of eligibility may be required on the door or at the box office (if collecting).  Personal assistance tickets are available for free for customers who would otherwise be unable to attend the venue. Please contact the box office on 01273 678822 or email info@attenboroughcentre.com for further information.

Box Office Opening Times

The box office (phone line and drop-in service) is open from 10am to 4pm, Mondays to Fridays. The box office is also open one hour before the advertised show start time.