Refuge

A trio of works exploring the theme of sanctuary in this special concert to celebrate Cambridge’s refugee community, featuring the world premiere of a new Concerto for Kamancheh and Orchestra by Iranian composer and virtuoso Rouzbeh Parsa. This new work has been commissioned thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, with orchestral arrangement supported by Harry Sever our Music Director.

Rouzbeh writes:

‘The Kamancheh is one of the oldest traditional instruments in Iranian music, and I’ve always wanted to write a concerto for Kamancheh and orchestra. I’m excited about blending Iranian music with other traditions. I listen to composers like Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Arvo Pärt – I feel such a connection to them and their folk roots. I loved working with the Cambridge Philharmonic last year. It opened a new imagination in my mind, it was very inspiring for me. I felt so welcomed, and everyone was so supportive. I can’t wait to work with them again on this project.’

Jonathan Dove’s powerful cantata Odyssey celebrates the extraordinary bravery and resilience of refugees fleeing from persecution and suffering. While the Concerto for Orchestra by Béla Bartók , himself a refugee, is a joyful, energetic and always brilliant work.