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| Gavin Bryars |
At the core of Bryars's composition is a 26-second recording of an unknown homeless man singing the refrain, Jesus' blood never failed me yet, this one thing I know, for He loves me so.Bryars came about the man in 1971 whilst working with a friend on a film about people living rough in the Elephant and Castle and Waterloo areas of London, where the concerts will be taking place. The audio clip of this particular man did not make it in to the final film but Bryars was given all the unused tapes. He soon discovered that the man’s singing was in tune with his piano and decided to add a simple accompaniment which grows in strength throughout the eventual 30-minute piece. Unfortunately, the man’s name was not captured and Bryars' efforts to locate him again were not successful. Attempts to place the song he sings have also proved inconclusive, meaning there is a possibility this was the man’s own composition.
On Wednesday 11 January 2023, the London Philharmonic Orchestra will be giving a pair of performances of Bryars' work at St John's Waterloo. During the day there will be a community performance and the invited audience will consist of guests from the homeless communities served by St John’s Waterloo. It will be a relaxed, reflective and gentle event with lunch provided.
Then at 6.30pm there will be a public performance in the church, designed to be a contemplative event, creatively lit by Intersection, and the orchestra in the middle of the space, surrounded by the audience. The concert will be followed by a panel discussion with Bryars, who celebrates his 80th birthday a few days later, and others. There will be a retiring collection at the end of the public performance in aid of the homeless charities the church works with.
Full details from the LPO's website.
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