Yamma Ensemble formed in the mid-1980s in the United Kingdom around composer Gavin Bryars. Bryars had an interest in religious music and the meeting points between Eastern and Western traditions, which shaped the group's direction from the start. Their early album 'In Manus Tuas' came out in 1985.
Their work often centers on settings of sacred texts, including the psalms of King David. The ensemble's sound draws on elements like Gregorian chant and Middle Eastern rhythms, woven with contemporary harmonic approaches. They recorded 'The Door Between' in 2015 with Iranian vocalist Sussan Deyhim.
The group's core has included musicians like harpist Robert Saxton, violist Philip Sheppard, recorder player Philip Pickett, and percussionist Tom Newman, with Bryars as composer and musical director. They have performed at venues including London's Barbican Centre.
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