Scottish pianist-composer Euan Stevenson launches a new collaboration with internationally acclaimed soprano Julia Doyle with his latest single, Kyrie on 7th November.
Recorded in London’s Temple Church, Kyrie is Stevenson’s setting of the ancient Kyrie eleison text from his choral work Missa Brevis. It features Doyle accompanied by cellist Peter Gregson, organist Roger Sayer and Stevenson’s partner in the New Focus jazz-classical duo, saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski.
“Finding fresh musical ideas to marry with an ancient yet eternally profound text was the creative stimulus for writing this music,” says Stevenson, whose Missa Brevis also includes settings of the Gloria and Agnus Dei. “With the ‘Kyrie’ text, the sound of the words alone is so beautiful that, as a composer, you cannot help but be inspired. There is also a steadfastness inherent in the text that is a comfort in these turbulent times.”
Stevenson, whose commissions include arrangements for the English Chamber Orchestra with international violin soloist Pinchas Zukerman and accompaniments for supermodel Naomi Campbell during London Fashion Week, is also the songwriting partner and musical director for Jazz FM favourite, singer Georgia Cecile.
Kyrie is released by iOcco Classical and will be available for streaming from 7th November. Stevenson and Wiszniewski bring their New Focus: The Classical Connection to The Bridge in Dumfries also on 7th November.