University of York Music Press

Sadie’s work culminated in an important relationship with the young students of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music in Kabul, resulting in an orchestral piece (for western and Afghan/Indian instruments)  Sapida Dam Nau (New Dawn) written for the Women’s Orchestra of Afghanistan (Ensemble Zohra). It was premiered at the 2017 World Economic Forum in Davos, conducted by Kevin Bishop.

Europadisc had plenty of praise for both recordings: ‘for their sensitive pairing of new compositions with traditional Afghan numbers, both these discs serve as fascinating entry points for listeners inclined to investigate this music in greater depth. They particularly enjoyed the ‘infectious rhythms, evocative modal melodies and tremendously committed playing’ on The Rosegarden of Light. On The Light Garden, they recognised ‘a tougher edge’ in Sadie’s music, but added that ‘the joy is hearing [that toughness] juxtaposed with such beguiling traditional repertoire.’

The review finished by wisely acknowledging that ‘at a time when musical culture and the musicians themselves – including the brave, pioneering young artists featured on the [The Rosegarden of Light] album – are under renewed threat, they deserve the widest possible currency, and will undoubtedly reward and enrich those who listen to them.’

Information about Sadie’s Afghan-inspired works and CDs can be found on her personal website at www.sadieharrisoncomposer.co.uk, as well as through the following links:

The Rosegarden of Light: https://www.uymp.co.uk/recordings/the-rosegarden-of-light

The Light Garden Trilogy: https://www.uymp.co.uk/recordings/the-light-garden-trilogy