Reich/Richter

A feast for eyes and ears: music by the living legend Steve Reich, whose luminous, colour-shifting Reich/Richter finds inspiration in the art of Gerhard Richter.

Born in New York in 1936, Steve Reich is a living legend in contemporary music. His subtle, pulsating works abound in wit and light: tonight’s concert opens with the famous Music for Pieces of Wood, moves onto his jazzy, perfectly flowing Runner and closes with his elegant collaboration Reich/Richter, mirroring the shimmering lines and gorgeous textures of Richter and Corinna Belz’s film Moving Picture (946-3).

Before that, more New York icons. Yoko Ono’s playful Pieces for Orchestra delightfully upends our expectations, and Terry Riley’s Half-Wolf Dances, written for the Kronos Quartet, reflect his passion for North Indian ragas and Middle Eastern scales. John Cage and Lou Harrison’s festive Double Music completes an evening of colour and cool.

Described by Steve Reich as ‘one of the greatest musicians in the world today,’ Scottish percussionist and conductor Colin Currie champions new music at the highest level. He regularly works with the world’s leading orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, New York Philharmonic and The Cleveland Orchestra, and is the leader of his own ensemble. We’re delighted he will both perform with and conduct the Brighton Philharmonic in this spellbinding programme.

‘Reich’s mathematical rigour has the intensity of Bach and produces uplifting, joyously optimistic music: a triumph.’ The Guardian