CU Artistic Ensemble celebrating the 65th Anniversary with the world premiere of Cze












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            * Charles University Artistic Ensemble celebrating the 65th Anniversary with the world pre
            Vigil
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            The world premiere of Czech Vigil (České Vigilie) composed by Antonín Tučapský, the previo
            Composition at Trinity College of Music, London was performed by The Charles University Ar
            on September 29th - 2013 at St James Basilica, Prague.

            The concert was not only the debut of the latest work by this wonderful composer, but it w
            a series of concerts - this season celebrating the 65th Anniversary of Charles University 
            Ensemble [ URL "https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vysoko%C5%A1kolsk%C3%BD-um%C4%9Bleck%C3%BD-

            Praha/112299350928"] (Vysokoškolský umělecký soubor Univerzity Karlovy v Praze). Founded i
            the first university choir in Czechoslovakia, the choir has seen more than 1000 members, c

            students, graduates and staff of Charles University.
            Antonín Tučapský is a Czech Composer who lives and works in London having left his home co
            to settle in England with his wife, Beryl Musgrave of Yorkshire, in 1975. As a distinguish

            was appointed Professor of Composition at Trinity College of Music, London and held this p
            years until his retirement. Tučapský is best known for his choral writing. Dramatic potent
            quality are among the characteristic features of his works. Unfortunately, Tučapský was un

            the premiere performance due to illness.
            The musical style was based on that of secular church music of the past centuries, but wit
            modernisation. New singing techniques and unique melodic ideas delicately separated time p

            time past. Gestures of chromatisicm in turn extended the progressions evoking a degree of 
            leaving one in awe with the outright virtuosity.
            The opening prayer with no words, was performed by Jan Kalfus - on organ - a powerful intr

            us to the first reading. Nine hymns followed - dedicated to ten patron saints of the Czech
            Between each hymn, Bishop of České Budějovice, Mons. Jiří Paďour O.F.M. Cap., would announ
            prayer in Czech.

            Tučapský’s Czech Vigil was refreshing and genuine in its modernistic take on secular churc
            voices of Charles University Artistic Ensemble were a perfect complement, projecting their
            throughout every crevice in the church. It was truly breath-taking. A genuine sense of war

            at the sound of the final close. I hope this ensemble capture this work to CD to add to th
            This was a challenging programme for any non-professional group, but they gave a flawless 
            performance which earned them standing ovation.
                                                                                                      
            Czech Vigil (České Vigilie) by Antonín Tučapský                                           
            Conductor: Jakub Zicha                                                                    
            Charles University Artistic Ensemble, Vysokoškolský Umělecký Soubor Univerzity Karlovy v P
                                                                                                      
            Organ: Jan Kalfus                                                                         
            Spoken Prayer: Bishop of České Budějovice, Jiří Paďour                                    

                                                                                                      
                                                By:                                                   
                                                Helena Hradilová is a student of Translation and Inter
                                                very fond of languages, meeting new people and getting
                                                                                                      
                                                To further support Erasmus students in exploring the C
                                                between students of different cultures and as a possib
                                                David Williams is a third year student studying a BA i
                                                University. David is focusing on his love for music wi
                                                performance.