Ithaka: vocal and choral works by Lydia Kakabadse

British composer Lydia Kakabadse (with roots in Greece, Austria, Russia and Georgia) reflects her cultural heritage in music that has western and mediterranean elements – while this is strongest in her choral music, it is heard to good effect in her chamber works, which are often written in modal intonation; her previous recorded collections have been very positively reviewed. This album is in two parts – first the stunning choral work ‘Odyssey’ – absolutely traditional in its rich harmony but carrying one or two surprises, a work commissioned by the Hellenic Institute at Royal Holloway University of London and premiered in2018; and a set of songs written in 2018 and 2019 spanning a range of styles from ballad, to arioso to folk jazz, Romantic, antiphonal and minimalistic!

The performers are all top rate: Clare McCaldin is an outstanding mezzo-soprano with a significant recorded legacy already. Paul Turner specializes in chamber music and has accompanied eminent singers and instrumentalists. Sara Trickey is well known as a fine violinist and Cecily Beer is in demand as both singer and harpist. The Choir of Royal Holloway is considered to be one of the finest mixed-voice collegiate choirs in Britain.

Odyssey: Choir of Royal Holloway, Cecily Beer (harp), directed by Rupert Gough
I Remember: Choir of Royal Holloway, Sara Trickey (violin), Cecily Beer (harp), directed by Rupert Gough
Other songs: Clare McCaldin (mezzo-soprano), Paul Turner (piano)