6 October 2010
Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington Street, Chicago 60602
(Wheelchair accessible at 77 E. Randolph)

Admission Free
For Information telephone 312-744-6630

A choral concert piece that calls to a spectrum of religious and ethnic experience.
This intimate work of contemporary vocal reverence will be performed in one of America’s finest venues.
Originally commissioned for Australia’s Centenary of Federation, Prayer Bells comprises 21 prayers for three solo cantors, eight male voices and a set of specially cast quarter-tone bells.

The ethereal notes of the bells perfectly span the Greek, Latin and Hebrew chant traditions intoned by the soloists.
Opera Opera’s Kirk Hume describes the effect as “intriguing and compelling – the sounds ascending like spirits into the darkness of the church’s high vaulted ceilings”.

Prayer Bells premiered in Australia at the Federation Festival of Melbourne in 2001.
Now composer Constantine Koukias brings Prayer Bells to the Chicago Cultural Centre – a hymn for connection in a world of spiritual diversity.

Streaming Media excerpts of Prayer Bells are below.

Listen to an interview with Prayer Bells composer Constantine Koukias by Radio National’s Rachel Kohn.

Music Director	Ted Hearne
Associate Producer	Isobel Ferrier (International Touring)
Bell Makers	Neil McLachlan & Anton Hassel
Sound Designer	Greg Gurr
Greek Cantor	Asterios Zouriakas
Hebrew Cantor	TBA
Latin Cantor	TBA
Male Chorus	TBA

Prayer Bells

2010	Chicago Cultural Center Center	USA
2010	Illinois State University	USA
2010	University of St Francis	USA
2008	St Stephens Uniting Church	Sydney, Aus
2008	Viva La Gong Festival	Wollongong, Aus
2006	Festival of Voices	Hobart, Aus
2005	Multicultural Arts Victoria - Kultour Tour	Melbourne, Aus
2005	Nexus Arts Centre - Kultour Tour	Adelaide, Aus
2005	National Multicultural Arts Festival - Kultour Tour	Canberra, Aus
2003	Theatre North (Revised Latin Version)	Launceston, Aus
2001	Premiere: Federation Festival of Melbourne (Russian Version)	Melbourne, Aus

The landmark building known as the Chicago Cultural Center serves as the home of free cultural programming presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs as well as a visitor center. This remarkable structure was completed in 1897 as the city's main library.

Constructed to be, in the words of the founding library board, "an enduring monument worthy of a great and public spirited city", the "People's Palace" as it is now affectionately known is a testament to the foresight of Chicago's turn of the (20th) century cultural leadership.

The nation's first free municipal cultural centre, the Chicago Cultural Center is one of the city's 10 most popular attractions and is considered one of the most comprehensive arts showcases in the United States.

Each year, the Chicago Cultural Center features more than 800 programs and exhibitions covering a wide range of the performing, visual and literary arts. Programming is aimed at increasing public awareness of the arts, and tours and informational signage and brochures are provided to enhance the public's appreciation of the landmark building and enjoyment of its diverse programs.

Streaming Media from Prayer Bells
Prayer 2 - Hebrew Cantor
Prayer 7 - Hebrew Cantor
Prayer 10 - Greek Cantor
Prayer 13 - Male Choir and Bowed Bells
Prayer 18 - Latin Cantor
Prayer 20 - Greek Cantor
Prayer 21 - Three Cantors and Male Choir

Review - Opera Opera, 2006 (PDF)

Prayer Bells Program 2003 (PDF)
Download Performance Technical Rider (PDF)