Nonesuch Orchestra and friends, with conductor Dan Shilladay holding the score of *Shaker Loops*

This year’s Nonesuch Workshop Day was held in the gorgeous St Cyprian’s Church at Clarence Gate. Our task was to learn and perform John Adam’s exciting piece Shaker Loops. As in previous years, we were delighted to welcome a number of guest players, some for the first time.

The composer penned this programme note when he composed Shaker Loops (originally for string septet) in 1978: Although, as has since been pointed out to me, the term “Shaker” itself is derogatory, it nevertheless summons up the vision of these otherwise pious and industrious souls caught up in the ecstatic frenzy of a dance that culminated in an epiphany of physical and spiritual transcendence. This dynamic, almost electrically charged element, so out of place in the orderly mechanistic universe of Minimalism, gave the music its raison d’être and ultimately led to the full realization of the piece.

Mastering the insistent, repetitive rhythms, the subtle changes of harmony, and the ethereal harmonic effects of this amazing work required diligent focus. It was hugely rewarding. The result at the end of the afternoon was an electrifying final performance to an appreciative invited audience.

Exhilarating music, studied with care, played with concentration, and shared with friends old and new. Another Nonesuch day to remember!