in the midst

SANSARA + UNITED STRINGS OF EUROPE

Today, millions are forcibly displaced from their homes, set on perilous journeys in search of places of safety. Finding refuge depends on the kindness of others - individuals, communities and nations. But the longing for sanctuary is not always met with open arms. 

In the midst sees SANSARA and United Strings of Europe join forces to explore these confronting themes in a programme built around two musical pillars: Caroline Shaw’s To the Hands, with its guiding question ‘what are these wounds in the midst of our hands?’, and The Journey by Houtaf Khoury.  

Featuring additional music by Hildur Guðnadóttir, Piers Connor Kennedy and Thomas Tallis, In the midst is not only an offering of musical solidarity, but an invitation to reflect on our role in creating spaces of sanctuary.

Release 06.09.24

repertoire

Hildur Guðnadóttir (arr. Peter Stanley Martin) Fólk fær andlit
Caroline Shaw To the Hands: I. Prelude - Wordless
Caroline Shaw To the Hands: II. in medio / in the midst
Caroline Shaw To the Hands: III. Her beacon-hand beckons
Caroline Shaw To the Hands: IV. ever ever ever
Caroline Shaw To the Hands: V. Litany of the Displaced
Caroline Shaw To the Hands: VI. i will hold you
Piers Connor Kennedy/Julian Azkoul in the midst
Caroline Shaw In manus tuas
Houtaf Khoury The Journey
Thomas Tallis In manus tuas
Caroline Shaw (arr. Piers Connor Kennedy) and the swallow

This programme is built on the repertoire from our collaboration with United Strings of Europe, Sanctuary & Solidarity.

“SANSARA and United Strings of Europe have combined for exquisite performances. Their recording is incredibly detailed and moving, and I’m so grateful to be included in this beautiful album.”

- Caroline Shaw

"This new disc from SANSARA is superbly well sung and scrupulously well planned and put together…The journey it describes is irresistible in its message and beauty. The combinations which Tom Herring and SANSARA have been putting together in recent years have helped to change the traditional choral landscape."

- Peter Phillips, The Tallis Scholars

“I sat transfixed and immersed in the recording…I am still in awe and humbled by the pure, yet robust sounds - how the textures unfolded and cascaded. Hauntingly beautiful on all accounts.”

- Peter Stanley Martin

"I commissioned And the swallow to Caroline Shaw on behalf of the Netherlands Chamber Choir,  for a project called 'The Psalms Experience'. All 150 psalms of the Old Testament by a 150 different composers. The psalms as a mirror of society. The texts: 2500 years old, composer Caroline Shaw: amongst the most exciting and actual composers around. The result? A timeless piece, resonating humanity. The arrangement and the performance by SANSARA [and USE] are impeccable and highly touching at the same time. Ready to be timeless too."

- Tido Visser, Netherlands Chamber Choir

"We're thrilled that Caroline's work is receiving a new recording and we hope that To the Hands - our most re-programmed commission - reaches even more ears as a result of SANSARA's investment!"

- Donald Nally, The Crossing Choir