Gavin Bryars & guests in: 'Nothing like the sun' op sonnetten van Shakespeare

In 2006, The Royal Shakespeare Company announced that it would perform the complete works of Shakespeare. This immediately marked the start of the 'Complete Works Festival' in Stratford-upon-Avon, which would last a year and is therefore still going on. This festival is unique in the sense that it is the first time that all of Shakespeare's plays and poems have been performed within one event.

As part of this festival, 'Nothing Like The Sun' also takes place. This program started with the idea of ​​asking contemporary composers to give their reflections on Shakespeare's sonnets. As is often the case with good ideas, the artists involved quickly took matters into their own hands. Gavin Bryars took over the coordination. He asked several strong musical artists from various styles to give their vision of their favorite sonnet. The evening begins with an actor reading the sonnets before each piece is played and sung. The music is by Natalie Merchant, Antony, Liz Frazer, Gavin Friday and Alexander Balanescu.

The second half of the program revolves around a composition by Gavin Bryars, where spoken word and music are becoming increasingly deeply intertwined.