Sulis (formerly known as Chameleon) was founded in 1996 by a group of professional musicians who became interested in the power of music to alleviate stress and pain. (Sulis was a Celtic goddess of healing waters.)
All Sulis’ music has been composed with this aim in mind by harpist Celia Harper. Celia writes specifically for the individuals within the group: counter-tenors Robin Blaze and Michael Chance, soprano Jacqueline Evill and violinist Liz Wilcock. The group has an organic relationship between composer and performer which has allowed it to develop a quite unique style.
Initially performing only in hospices the group was invited to participate in a research project at the Bristol Cancer Help Centre. The results quantify scientifically the remarkable effect of Sulis’ music on the listener.
More recently there has been a demand for public performances which take place in churches and cathedrals. Using the spatial dimensions of the architecture to free the audience of a visual relationship with the performer, Sulis encourages the listener to be embraced by the sounds of its unusual instruments and haunting melodies, creating a musical space for personal reflection.
Sulis is indebted to Ben Turner and Finesplice for incalculable help.
|
The members of Sulis
|
|
