The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra - The Hermitage Hotel

Haydn wrote his extraordinary Creation Mass after hearing performances of Handel’s choral works on a visit to London in 1791. Inspired and moved by what he heard, he resolved to create a work with the same impact. Premiered in Vienna in 1798, the Creation received rave reviews and continues to impress. It is a masterpiece that reflects Haydn’s faith and conviction, the gripping opening depicting the chaos before the world is born and its creation. The work then erupts into a stunning musical representation of the creation of light, concluding with the awakening of Adam and Eve. Conductor: David Hill, Associate Guest Conductor. Soprano: Anna Devin; Tenor: Benjamin Hulett; Bass-baritone: Christopher Purves; Bournemouth Symphony Chorus.

Khachaturian wrote three ballets of which ‘Spartacus’ was the last. Depicting the tale of an enslaved king turned gladiator and revolutionary, the music reflects martial splendour and barbarism, alongside the moving Adagio depicting Spartacus’ love for his wife Phyrigia. Italian composer Berio was one of the leading proponents of the music avant guard during the 20th century, with a particular interest in electronic music. His ‘Folk songs’ from eight countries reflect his interest in and experimentation with music and what it means to different cultures. Respighi’s ‘Pines of Rome’ depicts the city as witnessed by the trees, including the beautiful gardens of the Villa Borghese and the memory of the Imperial army on the Appian Way. Conductor: Kirill Karabits, Conductor Laureate and Artistic Director. Mezzo-soprano: Rihab Chaieb.

Lili Boulanger came from a musical family and by the age of 19 had already won the Prix de Rome. She continued to compose until the end, aided by her sister Nadia who transcribed her last work ‘D’un soir triste’ (of a sad evening). Samuel Barber is regarded as one of the most European-influenced American composers of the 20th century. His violin concerto, begun in Switzerland in 1939 and completed in America, starts with a warm and lyrical allegro, culminating in an electrifying final presto. Dvořák wrote his much-loved Symphony No.9 'From the New World' during the three years he spent in New York, encapsulating his own experiences and emotions from homesickness to the ‘new world’ with its diverse people and influences. Conductor: Chloé Van Soeterstède - Principal Guest Conductor. Violin: Stella Chen.