Entertainment

The week in classical: The Dead City; Black Angels; Re:sound – review

  • 02. Apr 2023. 7:44
  • By The EU Times
Latest Articles
Christmas Gifts for a Man OCD is so much more than handwashing or tidying. As a historian with the disorder, here’s what I’ve learned There’s no norovirus outbreak in the UK – so why is a sharp rise in patients being reported? This 17th-century portrait was given plumper lips years after it was finished – an expert explains why Holocaust comparisons are overused — but in the case of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel they may reflect more than just the emotional response of a traumatized people Seven original 1970s skateparks that show why these urban treasures should be protected Ukraine recap: western divisions an ominous sign for Kyiv as the aid funding tap begins to dry up Climate ‘tipping points’ can be positive too – our report sets out how to engineer a domino effect of rapid changes Boris Johnson at the COVID inquiry: sullen, evasive and a danger to democracy How bird feeders help small species fight infection

This week saw the launch of The Dead City, a brand new opera from English National Opera (ENO) at the Coliseum in London. Directed by Annilese Miskimmon, the new work was composed by Manchester Collective and performed by a cast of 12. It tells the story of a post-apocalyptic world in turmoil, weaving together a variety of musical styles and themes.

Meanwhile, Black Angels, a new chamber opera by George Crumb, premiered at Kings Place in London. The production, directed by Anna Gregory, was performed by Re:Sound Voices of our Cities and Streetwise Opera. The work was a combination of spoken word and music, exploring themes of power, identity and belonging.

The week's classical music offerings were rounded off by the BBC Concert Orchestra's performance of works by Debussy, Ravel and Stravinsky at the Royal Albert Hall. The performance, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, featured solos from the Orchestra's principal cellist, as well as a selection of works by contemporary composers.

Overall, it was a week of varied and engaging classical music experiences, ranging from the traditional to the contemporary. With The Dead City, Black Angels and the BBC Concert Orchestra, the classical music scene in London showed its breadth and diversity, while at the same time illustrating the strength and power of music to move and inspire.