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Sir Antonio Pappano and his London Symphony Orchestra are joined by three choirs and three outstanding vocal soloists for a work of hope that emerged from the ashes of destruction. Benjamin Britten was moved by the bombing of Coventry during the Second World War to write his monumental War Requiem, a work that pits contrasting musical ensembles against one another as the chilling innocence of boys’ voices meets the outspoken, acerbic protests of soldiers and massed choirs expressing suffering and deliverance. Never has this tense, angry and cautiously optimistic work seemed more relevant since its first performance 62 years ago.

Broadcast live on Â鶹Éç Radio 3

Broadcast on Â鶹Éç Four and Â鶹Éç iPlayer this season

Image: Sir Antonio Pappano © Riccardo Musacchio & Flavio Ianniello