Music in a Timelapse: A Journey Through the Centuries

Music in a Timelapse is a bold and immersive concert experience, guiding the audience on a journey through centuries of sound — from the intimacy of the solo violin to the monumental resonance of choir and electronics.

At the centre of the evening is the dazzling young violinist Leia Zhu, presenting the UK premiere of the cycle Freeman of the City of London, fresh from its debut tour in China. This is followed by a vast choral and electronic performance under the artistic direction of Ralph Allwood MBE DMus, featuring the specially formed Ralph Allwood Singers.

Set within the striking industrial atmosphere of The Steel Yard, the concert flows like a timelapse of history — carrying the audience through waves of emotion, from stillness to intensity, from awe to catharsis.

Expect an evening of drama, reflection and release — a concert that flows in emotional waves, carrying the audience between moments of intensity, stillness and exhilaration.

Part I — Leia Zhu: Freeman of the City of London

A solo violin journey in three thematic chapters, exploring the psychological and national dimensions of identity, tradition and freedom. This dramatic and visual performance presents Leia Zhu’s artistry in an intimate and highly expressive context.

Part II — Choir & Electronics

A large-scale choral and electronic experience with striking dynamic contrasts and bold soundscapes, designed to move audiences through waves of emotion — from tension to release, from awe to catharsis. Featuring the Ralph Allwood Singers and electronic sound design, with solo interludes. The choral repertoire spans from the 15th to the 20th century, creating a powerful dialogue between tradition and innovation.

Performers

Leia Zhu (Violin) British violinist Leia Zhu has been captivating audiences since the age of four with her remarkable artistry and expressive playing. Born in Newcastle in 2006, she made her concerto debut at an early age and has since performed with leading orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Belgian National Orchestra, the Moscow Virtuosi and the Zürcher Kammerorchester. She has appeared at major venues and festivals such as the BBC Proms and Wigmore Hall, establishing herself as one of the most promising young soloists of her generation. 

In 2021 Leia was appointed Artist-in-Residence with the London Mozart Players, with whom she continues to collaborate regularly. Her repertoire ranges from Beethoven, Brahms and Tchaikovsky to Shostakovich and contemporary premieres, showcasing both technical brilliance and musical maturity well beyond her years. Alongside her concert career she maintains an active online presence, sharing her performances and passion for music with a wide international audience. www.leiazhu.info Ralph Allwood MBE DMus (Conductor)For 26 years, Director of Music at Eton College, Ralph Allwood, is one of the UK’s most celebrated choral directors, known for his transformative work with generations of singers. He is the founder of the Rodolfus Choral Courses and co-founder of the Junior Choral Courses, with over 14,000 alumni worldwide. Ralph has conducted more than 50 broadcasts for BBC Radio 3, founded the Rodolfus Choir (with over 22 acclaimed recordings), and led choirs in performances from Cambridge to Shanghai. His contributions to music and worship were recognised with the Thomas Cranmer Award, presented by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 2017. www.ralphallwood.com 

The Ralph Allwood Singers (Choir)Formed especially for this performance, The Ralph Allwood Singers сhoir brings together highly accomplished professional singers, many of whom are members of leading UK ensembles and internationally award-winning choirs. Known for their precision, blend, and expressive power, they embody the very best of the British choral tradition.

Programme:

Part I — Leia Zhu: Freeman of the City of London

Act I

Hindemith — Solo Sonata No. 6, 3rd movement

Bartók — Presto from Solo Sonata

Act II

Bach — Preludio from Partita No. 3

Ysaÿe — Obsession from Sonata No. 2

Liszt — Mephisto Waltz (arr. Milstein)

Act III

Ernst — The Last Rose of Summer

Paganini — God Save the King

Interval 20 minutes

Part II — Choir & Electronics

Giovanni Gabrieli — Jubilate Deo

Cantate Domino Monteverdi

Joseph Rheinberger — Abendlied

Sergei Rachmaninov — Bogoroditsye Dyevo

Victoria O quam gloriosum 

Igor Stravinsky — Ave Maria

Palestrina Sicut cervus 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — Ave verum corpus 

Antonio Lotti – Crucifixus 

Anton Bruckner – Locus Iste 

Grieg Ave Maris stella 

Anton Bruckner – Os justi 

Gregorio Allegri — Miserere mei, Deus

Anton Bruckner – Ave Maria