Dear all,
Although it’s been a little while since you last heard from us, you won’t be surprised to learn that we have not been idle!
new album ‘in the midst’ out now
We are thrilled to announce the release of our fifth album, "in the midst", now available on all major streaming platforms. This latest opus is part of the wider Sanctuary & Solidarity project, where we join acclaimed SANSARA choir in a powerful exploration of the global refugee crisis, the search for sanctuary and the imperative to provide it. In this inspiring collaboration, we delve into the themes of displacement, journey, and the human need for safety and acceptance. The album features Caroline Shaw's "To the Hands", "The Journey" by Houtaf Khoury, along with music by Hildur Guðnadóttir, Piers Connor Kennedy, and Thomas Tallis.
For us, this album is not only “an offering of musical solidarity but an invitation to reflect and engage with these important issues” (Tom Herring, SANSARA artistic director).
As always though, music does not really exist without you, our audience. We therefore invite you to hear this programme live at Milton Court, London, on Saturday 14 December, 19.30 with special guest Syrian oud player Basel Saleh.
And if you are still not convinced, have a listen to the title track for the album ‘in the midst’, which we believe will draw you right in. Piers Connor Kennedy and Julian were asked to create a reflection of Caroline Shaw’s ‘To the Hands’, which itself draws on material from Dietrich Buxtehude’s ‘Ad Manus’ from his ‘Membra Jesu Nostri’. The idea was to combine choral fragments with Middle Eastern-infused solo violin improvisations from Julian and this is the result:
With this collaboration we continue our creative approach of innovative programming and cross-cultural exploration, redefining the boundaries of string ensemble performance and reflecting on pressing global issues through music.
Another collaboration this autumn sees us join Swiss hip-hop group Captains of the Imagination who are celebrating a decade of performing together. The group includes Julian’s brother Mike Azkoul (aka Dr Koul) and its special focus on the cultural diversity of the region, its rap conscient and engaged lyrics is right up our street, as you can imagine. Join us in Geneva on 28 September, 8.30pm for a thumping fusion of genres and styles.
We also look forward to diving into some Scandi Folk alongside other well-known Northern and Baroque pieces together with the wonderful Lodestar Trio. Expect a compelling blend of traditional Nordic string instruments— the Swedish nyckelharpa and the Norwegian hardanger fiddle, and modern strings - on Sunday, 6 October at St Leonards-on-Sea, at 5pm.
We hope we have given you some ideas on how to spend some of your autumnal evenings. Our season is shaping up nicely, and we will be in touch again soon with more dates and events for your diary. We look forward to seeing you at some of our events. Thanks for listening and for your continued support.
Julian and the United Strings of Europe