How Like An Angel

How Like An Angel is the first collaboration between UK-based vocal ensemble I Fagiolini and Australian aerial company Circa and it is testament to their reputations that there is a long queue for return tickets on a windy Tuesday night.

A hushed audience in a packed-to-the-rafters All Saint’s Church are witness to an ethereal display of physical feats, almost without ceremony. The understated discipline of the performers is counterpointed by the spellbinding live performance of sacred songs by the 10 members of English choral group I Faglioni.

The beauty and grandeur of the venue is breathtaking but nothing distracts from the performance. The programme of music, drawn from the 11th to 20th centuries. features Renaissance motets, a medieval monody, South African church music and a commission from Adrian Williams, all spellbinding and joyful.

Alongside this, we are presented with a highly disciplined tableaux of physical grace and strength, the eloquence of the choreography lightened several times with wit by choreographer Yaron Lifschitz.

I Gaglioni Artistic Director Robert Hollingworth took to Twitter with admiring concern about the lack of safety mats… Of course these were plentiful really, but at times the skill and daring had the audience holding their collective breath.

Intensely beautiful, a visual and aural feast.

All Saints Church, Hove, 7 May 2013

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