HarrisonParrott is proud to be working with the Netherlands Chamber Choir and Dance Company Nanine Linning on this distinctive multi-disciplinary project. Tears of Saint Peter (Lagrime di San Pietro) provides a compelling and contemporary response to the pandemic both thematically and through its presentation – it is designed to allow for the strictest COVID restrictions. The Netherlands Chamber Choir places Orlando di Lasso’s masterpiece in a spectacular setting. What happens to man in times of isolation, desperation and loneliness? Marijn Rademaker (former principal dancer at the Dutch National Ballet and Stuttgart Ballet) dances the role of Peter, apostle and one of Jesus’ most loyal followers. Still, he renounces Jesus. The despair and loneliness that follow in his darkest hours are brought to life in a scenic interplay between Peter and the choir, co-directed by Tido Visser and Nanine Linning. Peter’s struggle is observed and accompanied by seven singers trapped in life-sized glass columns, separating them from each other and from Peter. Who is lonelier? He who is trapped, or he who has no one to share his freedom with? How does Peter’s idealism relate to a world in which people choose self-interest over the common good, a society where blind power reigns over moral justice?
 
To emphasize the painful journey of Peter, Three of Ligeti’s Nonsense Madrigals are inserted as a knife into the evening, sung twice on video screens and the third, last time, live; devillish they provoke and mock Peter with their sarcasm, surprising the audience with their physical presence shortly before the last motet of Di Lasso. Both audience and singers become witness to Peter’s suffering. Poetic, confrontational and topical.