Born in 1944 in North London, Tavener is a direct descendent of the 16th century composer who shares his name. He first came to prominence in 1968 with his dramatic cantata The Whale, based on the story of Jonah. It was premiered by the London Sinfonietta, and recorded by Apple Records. In 1977 he joined the Russian Orthodox Church, and Orthodox theology and liturgical traditions remain a major influence on his work to this day.

The programme at the Festival features highlights from some of his most seminal works. Five Anthems From The Veil Of The Temple captures some of the most memorable moments of his all-night vigil, debuted at the Temple Church in London in 2003.

They range from the breathtakingly simple Mother of God, Here I Stand and the quietly ecstatic Awed by the Beauty, to the sonorous You Mantle Yourself In Light, the contemplative What God Is We Do Not Know and the radiant O Mary Theotokos.

There will also be two of his more prominent recent works, The Protecting Veil (for solo Cello and Strings; soloist Matthew Forbes) and Song For Athene (for Choir and Organ) which was memorably performed at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997.

Matthew Forbes (Solo cellist, The Protecting Veil)

Matthew is the cellist of the Trelawn String Quartet and is also one half of the acclaimed Czardas Duo. Matthew also works with the Royal Opera House orchestra, the BBC Concert and Symphony orchestras, Royal Philharmonic and the English Chamber Orchestra among others.

Scott Stroman (Conductor)

Scott has conducted and composed a range of music from classical to jazz. He has worked with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hit Squad, the Renga ensemble, the Future First ensemble, the London Sinfonietta, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, English Chamber Orchestra, and many youth orchestras. He was Music Director at the American Church in London and Christ Church, Highbury, and has regularly led Jazz Vespers services at St. Anne’s Lutheran Church in London for over 25 years.