Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Psappha Ensemble:
Benedict Holland & Zoë Beyers - violins
Alex Mitchell & Alistair Vennart violas
Jennifer Langridge & Petr Prause - cellos
Mark Heron - conductor
This performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 31st March 2022 and marked Tim Williams’ final Manchester concert as Psappha’s Artistic Director. It pays homage to Peter Maxwell Davies, whose music was the group’s original inspiration, and to the land Max called home. Four new works have been commissioned, inspired by Orkney and written for this performance and accompanied new films shot by Tim Williams in Orkney.
There is also a version of this work that shows the film (full screen) with the live recording from the performance. This can be found in the 'Orkney - Peter Maxwell Davies Tribute' Playlist.
To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser.
Learn more about Psappha: psappha.com
Orkney film shot, produced and edited by Tim Williams
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Athanasia Kontou - Rackwick Bay (Film version) (Psappha commission, world premiere)
What instantly affected me in Tim Williams’ Rackwick Bay film was the wide range of different images within the landscape: the red-looking sand, the vast and foamy sea, the green hills, the angular and corroded rocks. I was inspired by all the contrasting colours and characters they add to the scenery, and their beautiful coexistence. I also imagined the presence of the wind, which is not visible but is, I assume, prominent when one experiences Rackwick Bay in person. The sextet depicts the natural elements which caught my eye in each shot. It is often split in two trios, to capture a pair of the elements. My thanks to the performers, whose contribution during the writing process have been invaluable.
– Athanasia Kontou
Learn more about Athanasia Kontou: athanasiakontou.com
Psappha Ensemble:
Benedict Holland & Zoë Beyers - violins
Alex Mitchell & Alistair Vennart violas
Jennifer Langridge & Petr Prause - cellos
Mark Heron - conductor
This performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 31st March 2022 and marked Tim Williams’ final Manchester concert as Psappha’s Artistic Director. It pays homage to Peter Maxwell Davies, whose music was the group’s original inspiration, and to the land Max called home. Four new works have been commissioned, inspired by Orkney and written for this performance and accompanied new films shot by Tim Williams in Orkney.
There is also a version of this work that shows the film (full screen) with the live recording from the performance. This can be found in the 'Orkney - Peter Maxwell Davies Tribute' Playlist.
To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser.
Learn more about Psappha: psappha.com
Orkney film shot, produced and edited by Tim Williams
--------
Athanasia Kontou - Rackwick Bay (Film version) (Psappha commission, world premiere)
What instantly affected me in Tim Williams’ Rackwick Bay film was the wide range of different images within the landscape: the red-looking sand, the vast and foamy sea, the green hills, the angular and corroded rocks. I was inspired by all the contrasting colours and characters they add to the scenery, and their beautiful coexistence. I also imagined the presence of the wind, which is not visible but is, I assume, prominent when one experiences Rackwick Bay in person. The sextet depicts the natural elements which caught my eye in each shot. It is often split in two trios, to capture a pair of the elements. My thanks to the performers, whose contribution during the writing process have been invaluable.
– Athanasia Kontou
Learn more about Athanasia Kontou: athanasiakontou.com
