Durham

The magnificent Norman cathedral on the rock, part of the World Heritage site shared by Durham University and Durham Cathedral, was the setting for the world premiere of Jon Lord’s “Durham Concerto” commissioned by the University to commemorate its 175th anniversary. The 1,000 strong audience rose spontaneously to its feet as the final climax reflected Sir Walter Scott’s vision, which is engraved on “Prebends Bridge: “Grey Towers of Durham/Yet well I love thy mixed and massive piles/ Half church of God, half castle ‘gainst the Scot”. The work emotionally evokes the sense of history, scholarship, place and community evident in Durham – an unbroken line from St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede, Europe’s leading scholar of the 7th and 8th centuries, to the modern day university.

Jon Lord, founder and organist of the English rock band Deep Purple, calls his piece on this Avie disc the Durham Concerto, and one can only agree with the aptness of the title. Written for the 175th anniversary of the founding of Durham University and composed to invoke the town, the university, and the cathedral, the work is clearly rooted in the earth of northern England…

A Winter's Night…Live from Durham Cathedral places the artist in the unique setting of England's most famous cathedral. This majestic live performance captures the mood and spirit of the season with a diverse collection of songs, carols and lullabies spanning the centuries…

Sting: A Winter s Night…Live from Durham Cathedral places the artist in the unique setting of England s most famous cathedral. This majestic live performance captures the mood and spirit of the season with a diverse collection of songs, carols and lullabies spanning the centuries…