Classical preview: Music By Candlelight by SOPHIE HERN – Metro Monday, June 30, 2008

Aashiqalrasul

You’d be forgiven for dismissing this unique concert as yet another of those twiddly Baroque gatherings delivered by a clutch of courtly looking instrumentalists in tights.

Think again. This jewel in the crown of the Moseley Festival, at the hauntingly atmospheric St Mary’s Church, promises to be a glittering display of multicultural unity.

Into its third year at the festival, this event draws on spiritual music from all corners of the globe. Heading the line-up is Aa’shiq Al Rasul, a collective of classically trained singers and percussionists who regularly delight Muslim and non-Muslims audiences with their rich blend of new and traditional nasheeds sung in Arabic, English and Urdu.

Meanwhile, choral group St Mary’s Schola has specially reformed for this festival and will deliver a selection of a cappella church music, including snippets from the king of Renaissance choral repertoire, Thomas Tallis. Flautist Robert Zhilmor offers treasures from the Far East, presenting breathy, meditative tones from the Chinese falun dafa tradition.

Finally, in an avant-garde twist, the composer and organiser of this weird yet wonderful evening, Rich Batsford, performs a melange of his own melodic piano music, which has been compared to the work of Philip Glass. A programme that will not only broaden your mind but also feed your soul.

Tue, St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Row, Moseley, Birmingham, 8pm, free, donations welcome.
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Birmingham Music Performances

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