THE GOLDEN ROAD, THE UNFORGIVING SEA

This collaboration with the BBC Concert Orchestra was first performed and recorded at Hackney Empire on 6 March 2011, and subsequently broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

Featuring four fine singers from around the world alongside virtuoso musicians Zhu Xiao Meng (gu zheng), Baluji Shrivastav (sitar and dilruba) and Yousuf Ali Khan (tabla). Plus our full roster of internationally-renowned jazz soloists and rhythm section.

Imagine a journey through space and time - by land to the Orient, by sea to the East Indies and beyond - beginning with that taken by traders centuries ago.

Imagine the dangers and delights of those journeys, along the Silk Road from Italy, Turkey and the Arab world, or along the Spice Route pioneered by intrepid Portuguese navigators. Imagine the spread of civilisation and culture in both directions, the growth of Islam and Christianity.

Now imagine that journey today, in the shrunken, globalised world we now inhabit, prey to warmongers and dealers in questionable commodities and uncertain futures.

Carrying you along that route, with a narrative driven by a wealth of original songs in English, Portuguese and Bengali and powered by the ancient rhythms of Asia and Africa, this work by Tony Haynes showcases sumptuous strings, wind and sonorous brass alongside Grand Union’s own rich musical textures.

Six singers performing with Grand Union Orchestra

Music by Tony Haynes.

Lyrics by David Bradford, Manuel Alegre, Sara Clifford, Masud Ahamed, and Colin Sell.