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Gavin Bryars Celebrates 80

Jan. 18, 2023

Yorkshire born Gavin Bryars is known internationally as both a composer and a jazz bassist. His musical style has encompassed many influences over the years, beginning with his work as a jazz and free improvisation pioneer, to his time assisting John Cage in the US in the late 1960s. Bryars' early works such as Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet and The Sinking of the Titanic, famous for their use of pre-recorded tapes, are well known outside of the classical world and can be heard alongside his prolific output of operas, orchestral, chamber, and choral works.


Gavin Bryars Feat. Tom Waits - Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet

Bryars has worked with many renowned artists including successful collaborations with choreographers such as Merce Cunningham, Caroline Carlson, and William Forsythe; artists such as Juan Muñoz and Massimo Bartolini, and writers such as Etel Adnan. Additionally, his own group, The Gavin Bryars Ensemble, performs internationally, showcasing programs built around his own compositions. Bryars celebrated his 80th birthday on January 16.

There are a number of notable upcoming performances of Gavin Bryars' music. Mikk Üleoja directs both the Estonian National Men's Choir and Pärnu City Orchestra for two performances of Bryars' double bass concerto, Farewell to St Petersburg, featuring London-based Estonian soloist Siret Lust. These concerts will take place on February 11 in Pärnu and Feburary 12 in Tallinn as a celebration of "Gavin Bryars at 80."

On March 23, the world premiere of Bryars' new Harpsichord Concertowill be presented by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with soloist Mahan Esfahani and conductor Andrew Manze. Jointly commissioned by the RLPO and Orchestre National de Lyon, the French premiere will take place in 2024.

Finally, The Gavin Bryars Ensemble returns to Cafe OTO for two performances on May 15-16. His ensemble will showcase two different programs involving Lauda col legno I, II, and III for bass clarinet and a UK premiere of Gnossienne 1 and 4after Satie for two pianos and electric guitar­­.

We wish Gavin Bryars a very happy birthday and all best wishes for the year ahead!


To learn more about Gavin Bryars, visit: schott-music.com.

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