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A Child of Our Time

The ѿý Symphony Orchestra, Chorus and a star cast conducted by Sir Andrew Davis perform Tippett's oratorio, a plea for compassion. Plus his Concerto for Double String Orchestra.

The ѿý Symphony Orchestra, Chorus and a star cast conducted by Sir Andrew Davis perform Tippett's oratorio, a plea for compassion. Plus his Concerto for Double String Orchestra.

Tippett’s A Child of Our Time begins in sorrow: “The world turns on its dark side. It is winter.” Composed at the start of the Second World War but provoked by decades of intolerance, Tippett’s “modern oratorio” 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’s boundless optimism as well as his burning sorrow. The ѿý 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.

Live from the Barbican, London
Presented by Martin Handley

Michael Tippett: Concerto for Double String Orchestra

19.55 Interval (off CD)
Michael Tippett: Piano Sonata No.1
Steven Osborne (piano)

20.15
Michael Tippett: A Child of Our Time

Pumeza Matshikiza (soprano)
Dame Sarah Connolly (mezzo-soprano)
Joshua Stewart (tenor)
Ashley Riches (bass)
ѿý Symphony Chorus
ѿý Symphony Orchestra
Sir Andrew Davis (conductor)

2 hours, 28 minutes

Music Played

  • Michael Tippett

    Concerto for double string orchestra

    Orchestra: ѿý Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Sir Andrew Davis.
  • Michael Tippett

    Piano Sonata No.1

    Performer: Steven Osborne.
    • Hyperion.
  • Michael Tippett

    A Child of Our Time

    Singer: Pumeza Matshikiza. Singer: Pumeza Matshikiza. Singer: Dame Sarah Connolly. Singer: Dame Sarah Connolly. Singer: Joshua Stewart. Singer: Joshua Stewart. Singer: Ashley Riches. Singer: Ashley Riches. Orchestra: ѿý Symphony Orchestra. Orchestra: ѿý Symphony Orchestra. Choir: ѿý Symphony Chorus. Choir: ѿý Symphony Chorus. Conductor: Sir Andrew Davis. Conductor: Sir Andrew Davis.
  • Edgar Divver

    Elephant's Breath and Red Earth from Brushstrokes

    Ensemble: Bedfordshire Woodwind Academy Flute Ensemble. Conductor: Liz Childs.
  • Isaac Albéniz

    Champagne (carte blanche) - waltz

    Performer: Miguel Baselga.
    • BIS.
  • Joseph Haydn

    Drink up, the wine is here! (from The Seasons)

    Orchestra: Wroclaw Baroque Orchestra. Choir: Chór NFM. Ensemble: Gabrieli Consort. Conductor: Paul McCreesh.
    • Haydn: The Seasons.
    • Signum Classics.
    • 10.
  • Manuel de Falla

    The Grapes (The Three-Cornered Hat)

    Orchestra: Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. Conductor: Ernest Ansermet.
    • Decca.
  • George Frideric Handel

    Water Music, Suite in F (Allegro)

    Ensemble: Berlin Academy for Early Music.
    • Harmonia Mundi.

Broadcast

  • Fri 12 May 2023 19:30