Tippett鈥檚 A Child of Our Time begins in sorrow: 鈥淭he world turns on its dark side. It is winter.鈥� Composed at the start of the Second World War but provoked by decades of intolerance, Tippett鈥檚 鈥渕odern oratorio鈥� is built around the soul-shaking melodies of African-American spirituals. But the human spirit is unbreakable, and this great British choral masterpiece is anything but a counsel of despair.
Sir Andrew Davis understands that; and after a lifetime championing British music, there are few artists better equipped than our Conductor Laureate to bring out Tippett鈥檚 boundless optimism as well as his burning sorrow. The 麻豆社 Symphony Chorus is joined by a truly exceptional team of soloists, and it all begins with a great leap of hope and joy: the ever-fresh Concerto for Double String Orchestra.
Matthew Brook has had to withdraw from this performance, and we are grateful to Ashley Riches who will perform in his place.
