May 2024

The Protecting Veil: a staged, immersive performance of John Tavener’s iconic work, featuring celebrated cellist, Raphael Wallfisch, and Trinity Laban dancers.

The Protecting Veil | John Tavener Raphael Wallfisch Cello Nic Pendlebury Conductor Trinity Laban String Ensemble & Dancers Anna Morrisey Director Carla Goodman Designer Jonathan Samuels Lighting Design Trinity Laban String Ensemble and Dancers present a staged production of John Tavener’s iconic work, featuring celebrated cellist and TL International Chair of Cello and Chamber Music, Raphael Wallfisch. The Protecting Veil, created by the same creative team responsible for Trinity Laban's revolutionary 2022 production, 'A Change of Season,' captures the cosmic power of the Mother of God. Her voice and life are represented by the cello, which never stops singing throughout the performance. Told in eight continuous chapters depicting various moments of her life, this performance offers a visual representation of the mystic spirituality of Tavener’s work, speaking to the power of motherhood, the giving of life and its subsequent journey. To begin the concert, string players from Wells Cathedral School will perform alongside Trinity Laban students in Philip Herbert’s affecting Elegy - in memoriam Stephen Lawrence.