In four days, the new song-cycle by Philip Glass "Ifé: Three Yoruba Songs" for mezzo soprano and orchestra will be performed by the African singer Angelique Kidjo and the Luxembourg Philharmonic. This is Glass' first work since his Sixth String Quartet premiered back in October.
Ifè the place where the Yoruba people think the world was created— these three songs are telling those legends. – Angélique Kidjo
The piece is comprised of three songs: Olodumare, Yemandja, & Oshumare and is scored for 2 Piccolos, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes (2=English Horn), 2 Clarinets in Bb (2=Clarinet in Eb) Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, 4 Horns, 3 Trumpets in Bb, 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion (7 players), Glockenspiel, Harp,Piano,Celesta, and Strings.
The program also features Glass' Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and orchestra.
Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg
Jonathan Stockhammer conductor
Angélique Kidjo voice
Simon Stierle, Benjamin Schäfer timpani
Traditional: Five African Songs (arr. M. Khumalo)
Philip Glass: Ifè: Three Yorùbá Songs for Mezzo-Soprano and Orchestra (world premiere)
Philip Glass: Concerto fantasy for two timpanists and orchestra