Summary

Written in 1965, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, with its brass, harps and exquisite solo for boy treble, provides an exhilarating invocation of the composer’s hopes for brotherhood and peace, sentiments mirrored by Vaughan Williams impassioned Dona nobis pacem.  The world-renowned King’s College Choir of Cambridge joins Britten Sinfonia for performances of both works, conducted by Stephen Cleobury.

The concert opens with the world premiere of a new work by Emma-Ruth Richards, directed by Britten Sinfonia leader Jacqueline Shave. Find out more about Emma-Ruth Richards in our Q&A with her, or listen to her playlist of musical influences in this Barbican Blog.

Download the programme notes for this performance here

Barbican – Pre-concert performance, 6.15pm
Britten Sinfonia Academy give a free Christmas performance in the Barbican’s foyer ahead of the performance. Find out more.

Saffron Hall – Pre-concert talk, 6.30pm
Emma-Ruth Richards discusses her new work (free to ticket holders)