Summary

A concert to celebrate the master of minimalism’s 80th birthday. Alongside Steve Reich and Beryl Korot’s acclaimed multi-media fable for the 20th century, Three Tales, Britten Sinfonia perform Reich’s latest work, Pulse, and his seminal work for string quartet and tape, Different Trains – works which see Reich at his most innovative, uncompromising and prophetic.

Three Tales reflects on the dramatic impact technology has exerted on life in the twentieth century. This sound and video work contemplates three definitive historical moments: the 1937 Hindenburg crash, the nuclear bomb tests at the Bikini atoll in 1949, and the cloning of sheep “Dolly” in 1997 utilising archive footage, images and interviews.

Saffron Hall pre-concert talk, 6.30pm: Britten Sinfonia musicians discuss tonight’s programme (free to ticket holders)

The Barbican performance is part of The Sounds That Changed America, the Barbican’s year-long celebration of the the music of Steve Reich, John Adams and Philip Glass.
Read the Barbican’s interactive essay on the music of Steve Reich, Philip Glass and John Adams

Please note: The original advertised programme for this concert has been changed. Steve Reich’s Different Trains, for string quartet and tape, will now be performed in place of WTC 9/11 at the request of the composer.