Page 208 - FINAL_The Sixteen Coverage Book 40th Anniversary Year
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Senior Roman Catholic churchmen, including the visiting Cardinal of
Westminster, were joined by representatives of the Church of
Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Russian Orthodox
Church. Consuls General from across the world joined Edinburgh’s
High Constables, councillors and hundreds of worshippers.
As you might expect, the music was divine – from MacMillan’s own
compositions to classic plainsong and Palestrina.
The Edinburgh International Festival has programmed his music over
five concerts with its high point on Saturday with four large-scale
works, including a major world premiere in the Usher Hall.
The first performance of Le Grand Inconnu, MacMillan’s Fifth
Symphony, an epic choral meditation on the Holy Spirit has had rave
reviews. Long may his composing continue and a belated very happy
birthday.
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