Unicorn Singers will be performing Rachmaninov Vespers at St Augustine's Church, Penareth, on Saturday, 16 November.

One of the composer's personal favourites, the All-Night Vigil is an epic choral masterpiece like no other. Steeped in the Russian Orthodox tradition, Rachmaninov here sets the most significant and dramatic liturgical rite, namely the combined services of Vespers and Matins that are held in the early hours of Easter Day.

For this lengthy sequence of psalm and prayers, the composer takes as his starting point the time-honoured Orthodox chants but adds to each an unforgettable sound-world of mystery and awe. In the process, each movement acts as a form of audio icon for meditation and spiritual enlightenment.

Rachmaninov's piece also explores the rich sonorities of Russian choral singing, especially its distinctive low bass parts. Accordingly, our performance will showcase the talents of the Solstice Octet: students from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, who take on the work's mesmerising solo roles.

There are 15 movements that together form an unfolding sequence towards the light of the resurrection morn. The music in each serves as a distinct object for meditation, drawing us into a deeper spiritual dimension at every turn. It is undoubtedly an unforgettable sonic experience.

A statement from the Singers says: "We are naturally delighted to be collaborating with the Cardiff students for this project and together we will be performing the work in the wonderful acoustic space of St Augustine's, Penarth, CF64 1BJ. Do join us for this tour de force of a cappella singing!

Tickets at £15 from website www.unicornsingers.co.uk or on the door (students free).

Solstice Octet

Originally formed at the RWCMD in 2022, Solstice was born from a group of friends with a shared love of singing together. Each member of the octet has studied voice and opera, which allows for exploration of a vast range of repertoire, from early masterpieces to rich romantic choral repertoire, and collaborations with new composers.

Recent engagements for the group have been performing at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Fringe Festival, Brecon Choir Festival, and at The Sixteen's Sounds Sublime Festival.