The week in classical: The Dead City; Black Angels; Re:sound – review
This week, classical music in London was brought to life with several exciting performances, from the English National Opera's world premiere of The Dead City at the Coliseum, to a performance of George Crumb's Black Angels at Kings Place.
The ENO's production of The Dead City, an adaptation of the novel by Irish novelist John Boyne, was a remarkable exploration of the themes of love and loss. The production was directed by Annilese Miskimmon and featured a score by Manchester Collective, who created a powerful soundscape of an Irish city in mourning.
At Kings Place, the Re:sound series presented a special performance of George Crumb's Black Angels. The piece, composed in 1970, is a powerful exploration of the horrors of the Vietnam War. The performance was given by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by John Wilson, and featured a special appearance by the Streetwise Opera chorus.
Finally, The Sound of Our Cities, part of the Re:sound series, was a celebration of the music of our cities. It featured a range of different works, from solo pieces to large-scale orchestral works, all performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra.
This week was an exciting one for classical music in London, with a range of performances offering something for everyone. The ENO's production of The Dead City was a powerful exploration of love and loss, and George Crumb's Black Angels was a powerful reminder of the horrors of war. The Sound of Our Cities was a celebration of the music of our cities, and a reminder of the importance of classical music in our lives.