Ēriks' Infelix Ego, after Byrd's 16th-century work, saw its premiere recording with the release of ORA and Suzi Digby's new album Refuge from the Flames. The disc is dedicated to the 15th-century Dominican priest and reformer Girolamo Savonarola and presents masterpieces of the Renaissance choral music tradition alongside reflections by contemporary composers. See the album promo with Eriks commenting on his commissioned work. Refuge from the Flames is out on Harmonia Mundi.
The disc receives excellent reviews:
“ORA, conducted by Suzi Digby, has matched the celebrated Miserere by Allegri, with a new setting of the same text, radiant but anguished, by James MacMillan. Byrd’s heaven-sent Infelix Ego sits alongside a dense, soaring new version by Eriks Esenvalds. Performances by ORA, 18 singers strong are first rate”
Financial Times (Richard Fairman)
**** 4 Stars
October 2016
“Yet again, this group shows its considerable skill not only in expressive interpretation but in clarity of lines, subtletly of expression, and an ability to maintain an introspective atmosphere throughout.”
Choir & Organ (Shirley Ratcliffe)
***** 5 Stars
January 2017
“... at the centre of the programme are two versions of Infelix Ego, with a new, sliding and sighing setting by Ēriks Ešenvalds seeming almost to grow out of the 16th-century one by Byrd. Everything here is heard to best advantage, thanks to the choir’s clean, supple singing under Suzi Digby’s direction.”
The Guardian (Erica Jeal)
**** 4 Stars
October 2016