The Stimmung series, launched by Silbersee in 2018, is an annual tribute to the human voice. In the third edition of Stimmung, Australian-Dutch composer Kate Moore was invited to respond to three choral works by English composer Benjamin Britten. The program features Britten's Hymn to St. Cecilia, a work of spiritual beauty set to a text by W.H. Auden, composed during the early years of World War II. Additionally, Britten’s youthful Hymn to the Virgin (1930) and Five Flower Songs (1950) are also performed.

In her new multipart composition, Kate Moore weaves themes from all three of Britten’s pieces. "These are highly evocative works on subjects dear to my heart," says Moore. She draws inspiration from the Italian Renaissance painting, a period when both Saint Cecilia and the Virgin Mary were frequently depicted. A two-month residency in Umbria brought Moore closer to Italian culture, and the inspiration she gained there is reflected in her new compositions. Silbersee performs the choral works in a special, ritualistic ambiance, with its own light dramaturgy, guiding the listener to the essence of the music.

The performance was part of the Stimmung series in 2018.

Performers:
Silbersee, conducted by Romain Bischoff
Fanny Alofs, Stefanie Bruggeling, Jennifer Van Der Hart, Elisabeth Hetherington, Georgi Sztojanov, Lukasz Wilda, Arjan Lienaerts, Maciej Straburzynski – vocals
Kate Moore – lyra