British born composer Lydia Kakabadse enjoys a multi-cultural heritage (Greek/Austrian mother and Georgian/Russian father) which deeply informs her musical output. Her new album, recorded in London, features an even more diverse range of music than her previous albums, incorporating ethnic instruments into Western music. Making much use of the 'alternative string quartet' (violin viola, cello and double bass), the title track Kefi also introduces the Greek Bouzouki and 'Greek oud' or politiko laout. While demonstrating a wide diversity of textures and styles, overall the music is coloured by use of the double harmonic scale. As well as a number of chamber works the highlight of the album is the choral work Thirty Steps commissioned by the Hellenic Institute at Royal Holloway whose choir, widely regarded as among the best mixed-voice choirs in Britain today, perform the work here. The other performers here are all experienced and very well regarded in their own fields.Lydia Kakabadse, celebrated for her diverse music, specialises in choral, chamber, and vocal compositions. Influenced by her multicultural background and upbringing in Greek and Russian Orthodox traditions, she draws inspiration from Orthodox Church music, medieval melodies, and Greek and Middle Eastern dance. Trained in piano and double bass from a young age, she pursued music studies at Royal Holloway, University of London. Her works, including string quartets, choral pieces, and concert requiems, have garnered critical acclaim and have been featured on recordings by labels such as Naxos and Divine Art. Notable commissions include "I Remember" for Forest Preparatory School and "Odyssey" for The Hellenic Institute. Her compositions have been performed internationally at festivals and by esteemed ensembles, and her string quartet "Russian Tableaux" has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Currently pursuing a PhD in ethnomusicology, Lydia continues to enrich the musical landscape with her distinctive and vibrant creations.

Tracklist:

Feast of Herod~I. The Veiled Dancer
Feast of Herod~II. Dance of the Harem
Nomadic Dances~I. Ceremonial Gathering
Nomadic Dances~II. Herding
Nomadic Dances~III. Trekking
Kefi
Original Theme (Waltz) by Anton Diabelli
Variation on a Theme by Anton Diabelli
Thirty Steps~Step 1
Thirty Steps~Step 2
Thirty Steps~Step 3
Thirty Steps~Step 4
Thirty Steps~Step 5
Thirty Steps~Step 6
Thirty Steps~Step 7
Thirty Steps~Step 8
Thirty Steps~Step 9
Thirty Steps~Step 10
Thirty Steps~Step 11
Thirty Steps~Step 12
Thirty Steps~Step 13
Thirty Steps~Step 14
Thirty Steps~Step 15
Thirty Steps~Step 16
Thirty Steps~Step 17
Thirty Steps~Step 18
Thirty Steps~Step 19
Thirty Steps~Step 20
Thirty Steps~Step 21
Thirty Steps~Step 22
Thirty Steps~Step 23
Thirty Steps~Step 24
Thirty Steps~Step 25
Thirty Steps~Step 26
Thirty Steps~Step 27
Thirty Steps~Step 28
Thirty Steps~Step 29
Thirty Steps~Step 30

UPC: 809730112928
Label: Divine Art
Release Date: 7.12.24
Format: CD

Kakabadse / Beer / Choir Of Royal Holloway - Kefi - Choral & Chamber Works (CD)