Cappella Amsterdam is coming to Groningen for a performance of Rachmaninov’s monumental Vespers, one of the most beautiful and impressive a cappella choral works ever composed.

Rachmaninov’s Vespers are based on old Russian Orthodox melodies. The dramatic setting, the symphonic scope, the virtuoso melodies and vocals that range from deep, dark bass parts to feather-light soprano passages made sure that the work, written in 1915, not only found its way into the Russian Orthodox liturgy, but also became very popular on concert stages all over the world.

In matter of fact, the name Vespers is kind of a misnomer. Rachmaninov called his fifteen-part composition Vsénoshchnoye bdéniye, or Wake for the whole night. Only the first six parts belong to the Vespers (Evening Prayers). Parts 7 to 14 are night prayers and part 15 is a morning prayer. In concert form, the composition won’t take all night, although time does seem to stand still when listening to Rachmaninov’s masterpiece live.

The Vespers are performed by Cappella Amsterdam, one of the most well-known and best Dutch chamber choirs. During the celebration of its fiftieth anniversary, the ensemble led by Daniel Reuss once again proved why it has received so many prizes and accolades both at home and abroad. “An immersion in improbable aural beauty.” (de Volkskrant *****)