Azrieli Music Prizes Presents AMP at 10: A New York Celebration

The Orchestra of St, Luke’s is proud to partner with the The Azrieli Music Prizes (AMP) – celebrating 10 years of excellence in music creation – as they return to NYC with three remarkable new works for soloists and orchestra. Come journey across eras, cultures and landscapes through the musical imaginations of our 2022 AMP Laureates with Elliott Forrest (WQXR) as your guide. The world-class Orchestra of St. Luke’s performs these three U.S. premieres, led by guest conductor Steven Mercurio, alongside internationally renowned soloists Sharon Azrieli, Sepideh Raissadat, Naomi Sato and Zhongxi Wu.

ABOUT THE WORKS

Iman Habibi’s Shāhīn-nāmeh for voice and orchestra is a striking new song cycle based on 14th-century texts by Judeo-Persian poet Shahin Shirazi. It was written for renowned Persian vocalist and setar player Sepideh Raissadat. Shāhīn-nāmeh reveals the close affinity that has historically existed between Persians and Jews dating back centuries.

‘Vocalist Sepideh Raissadat gave a ravishing account atop the orchestra’s glowing blanket of sound.’ (James Imam, Musical America)

Aharon Harlap gives us his Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O’ Lord, a setting of five psalms for soprano and orchestra. The work takes us on an emotional voyage, from a state of despair to one of hope and celebration, conveying an uplifting message for our times.

‘Here was lyricism of a Mahlerian stamp … married to a sure sense of the joys and sorrows inherent in the texts.’ (Arthur Kapitainis, Ludwig van Montreal)

Rita Ueda’s new double concerto – Birds Calling… from the Canada in You for suona/sheng, shō and orchestra – incorporates Asian and Western musical influences with inspirations from the Canadian landscape, especially birdsongs collected from the country’s 450+ species. The work continues Ueda’s pursuit of a new transcultural musical identity by asking, ‘What does it mean to migrate and settle on land already rich in history?’

‘Thematically and technically, this work feels fresh, thoroughly Canadian, and breathtakingly original.’ (James Imam, Musical America)

Steven Mercurio, conductor
Sharon Azrieli, soprano
Sepideh Raissadat, voice and setar|
Naomi Sato, shō
Zhongxi Wu, suona and sheng
Elliott Forrest, host