Nothing Like the Sun: The Sonnet Project

Synopsis: A new work by composer Gavin Bryars commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Opera North.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s sonnets, Nothing Like The Sun: The Sonnet Project is a two-part performance. The first part of the performance features compositions by Muhly/Hegarty and Natalie Merchant, alongside those of electronic artist Mira Calix, Romanian violinist Alexander Balanescu and Irish singer-songwriter Gavin Friday. Bringing together a unique set of musicians, Bryars invited each guest artist to set their chosen sonnet to music. The arrangements were then performed on the 24 and 25 February 2007 by singers John Potter (tenor) and Anna Maria Friman (soprano) and an eight-piece chamber orchestra from Opera North directed by James Holmes. The second half is the premiere of Gavin Bryars’ major new work based around eight of Shakespeare’s sonnets. Nothing Like The Sun is performed by the same ensemble using music, song and speech and a specially commissioned film by Pippa Nissen to bring music, voice and image together.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Video
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Recording date: 24 Feb 2007
Duration: 62 mins

Music

Contributor

Cast

Theatre: Courtyard Theatre, The
Theatre company: Royal Shakespeare Company
Production type: Operas and Musicals
Subjects: English language and literature; Music
Keywords: Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); sonnets; Complete Works Festival (Stratford upon Avon 2006-7)

General: Sonnet 73 (Natalie Merchant), Sonnet 43 (Alexander Balanescu), Sonnet 130 (Mira Calix), Sonnet 40 (Gavin Friday), Sonnet 27 (Nico Muhly and Antony Hegarty) and Sonnets 60, 123, 128, 94, 102, 146, 55 & 64 (Gavin Bryars).

Name: Royal Shakespeare Company
Web: https://www.rsc.org.uk External site opens in new window
Address: Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Waterside
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
CV37 6BB

SHAKESPEARE