A Far Cry: Sunset

This is a program that begins at the end, and then keeps going. Sunset pulls us into a world of love and loss right away, with the exquisite timbres of Julius Eastman’s Joy Boy and Respighi’s “Il Tramonto” (The Sunset), sung by mezzo-soprano Krista River, that moves from bliss to heartbreak and death. From that burnished world, Lutosławski’s Musique Funèbre descends further into the darkness of grief and rage. Lusitano’s 16th-century meditation “Aspice Domine” opens the door to healing, and Vaughan Williams’ Tallis Fantasia waits for us on the other side of it all, quietly linking the human and the divine.

About A Far Cry

Called a “world-wide phenomenon” by Boston’s WBUR, A Far Cry has nurtured a distinct approach to music-making since its founding in 2007. The self-conducted orchestra is a democracy in which decisions are made collectively and leadership rotates among the players (“Criers”). This structure has led to consistently thoughtful, innovative, and unpredictable programming — and impactful collaborations with celebrated performers and composers. A Far Cry has risen to the top of Billboard’s Traditional Classical Chart, been named Boston’s best classical ensemble by The Improper Bostonian, and celebrated two Grammy nominations for its Visions and Variations. Boston Musical Intelligencer sums up the group: “In its first decade, this conductor-free ensemble has earned and sustained a reputation for top-drawer playing, engrossing programming, and outstanding guest artists.”