Poetry, Music, and the Sacred

after Evensong (All are welcome to attend Evensong, which begins at 5.15pm)

In the awe-inspiring setting of York Minster, this evening of readings and conversation brings together two extraordinary poet-librettists to discuss the collaboration between poetry and music, and the relationship of their work to faith and to the sacred.  Alice Goodman is an American poet and Anglican priest.  Her libretti for Nixon in China and The Death of Klinghoffer, with scores by John Adams, are defining works of modern opera, and her translation of The Magic Flute was performed at Glyndebourne in 1991.  Michael Symmons Roberts is a British poet whose collection Drysalter won the Costa and Forward Prizes in 2013.  Among the most celebrated contemporary librettists, his many works for music include the operas The Sacrifice and Parthenogenesis with James MacMillan, as well as song cycles and oratorios.  The discussion will be chaired by Professor Hugh Haughton, University of York.

A Writers at York event.

Writers at York is supported by the University of York’s External Engagement Awards.

Admission is by free ticket. 

Please pre-book, online at http://www.yorkminster.org/home.html or https://www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org/, or by phoning 01904 557208, or from the welcome desks in York Minster.