Music of A Thousand Breaths

The unique medieval wall paintings at Pickering Church date from 1450 AD and - according to Pevsner - they are one of the most complete sets of medieval wall paintings in the UK. They depict some of the most vivid and dramatic moments from sacred history and myth: St George spearing a dragon, St Christopher carrying the Christ child, and the martyrdom of St Catherine, St Edmund and St Thomas are all presented here, along with the crucifixion and resurrection.

Following a collaborative research award from York St John University, composer David Lancaster has collaborated with poet Abi Curtis to create a performance which breathes life into the painted figures and allows them to tell their stories in song, instrumental music and dance. Abi initially created ten poetic texts which David has set to music, and they will be performed by a professional ensemble of talented young singers and instrumentalists in the Church at Pickering, surrounded by the paintings themselves. The performance will also include sacred music of the renaissance and an electronic soundscape by David Power.

Words by Abi Curtis
Music by David Lancaster

Saturday 21st July 2018 at 7:30 pm

Admission £8/5 (all proceeds to Pickering Parish Church’s Heritage Project)

Tickets are available from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/music-of-a-thousand-breaths-the-pickering-frescoes-tickets-44668473607

The Pickering Frescoes: Music of a Thousand Breaths