Skip to main content
Churchy vibe
WILL STONE is seduced by the chance encounter of a DJ and a Baroque composer in a brutalist entertainment zone

Max Cooper presents Seme
Barbican

ACCLAIMED electronic artist Max Cooper, the nonpareil of audio-visual DJs, performs the UK premiere of new work Seme, his most classically influenced project yet. 

Inspired by the rich tapestry of Italian culture, its art, architecture, music and religion, the show was considered highbrow enough to receive its world premiere at Austria’s prestigious Salzburg Easter Festival of opera and classical music. Cooper said ahead of the event: “I feel like a bedroom DJ has smuggled themselves into high classical culture.”

But Seme is no mere DJ set. Joined onstage by soprano Kim Sheehan, cellist Niels Orens and pianist Tom Hodge, a churchy vibe is evoked with the plaintive Palestrina Sicut and Gabriel; a harmonious marriage of electronica and traditional music inspired by the late Renaissance Italian composer.

Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Exhibition review / 21 March 2025
21 March 2025
While the group known as the Colourists certainly reinvigorated Scottish painting, a new show is a welcome chance to reassess them, writes ANGUS REID
Film of the Week: / 20 March 2025
20 March 2025
ANGUS REID recommends an exquisite drama about the disturbing impact of the one child policy in contemporary China
Short Story / 7 February 2025
7 February 2025
The phrase “cruel to be kind” comes from Hamlet, but Shakespeare’s Prince didn’t go in for kidnap, explosive punches, and cigarette deprivation. Tam is different.
BenchMarx / 28 January 2025
28 January 2025
ANGUS REID deconstructs a popular contemporary novel aimed at a ‘queer’ young adult readership
Similar stories
Gig Review / 10 October 2024
10 October 2024
WILL STONE is happily transported on a spaceship whose entire crew have been replaced
Gig review / 1 August 2024
1 August 2024
WILL STONE savours an utterly unique voice in electronic music
Gig Review / 10 July 2024
10 July 2024
WILL STONE marvels at the vocal range and vulnerabilty of a remarkable virtuoso
Music review / 29 April 2024
29 April 2024
WILL STONE immerses himself in the complete run-through of Orbital’s pioneering untitled first two albums