Entertainment

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

  • 02. Apr 2023. 9:42
  • By The EU Times
Latest Articles
Norman Lear’s ’70s TV comedies brought people together to confront issues in a way Gen Z would appreciate Does exercise really do nothing for longevity, as a Finnish twins study suggests? Turning annual performance reviews into ‘humble encounters’ yields dividends for employees and managers Napoleon: ignore the griping over historical details, Ridley Scott’s film is a meditation on the madness of power Norman Lear’s ’70s TV comedies brought together people to confront issues in a way Gen Z would appreciate Baldurs Gate 3 wins game of the year at 2023’s Game Awards – an expert review Viva Guadalupe! Beyond Mexico, the Indigenous Virgin Mary is a powerful symbol of love and inclusion for millions of Latinos in the US The disagreement between two climate scientists that will decide our future How the Christmas pudding, with ingredients taken from the colonies, became an iconic British food This hand-painted film is a ‘must see’ – what you should watch this week

This week saw a plethora of captivating classical music performances and events, with a range of innovative new works, as well as classic favourites.

The English National Opera (ENO) presented The Dead City, a new work by Annilese Miskimmon, at the Coliseum in London. Based on a play of the same name by Irish playwright John Lynch, the piece follows the story of a city in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. The production combines elements of opera, theatre, and film, creating a captivating spectacle that challenges the conventions of the operatic form. The music, composed by Miskimmon, is a mix of classical and contemporary styles, featuring both solo and ensemble singing.

Elsewhere, Manchester Collective presented Black Angels by George Crumb at Kings Place. This powerful piece for string quartet is inspired by war, and explores themes of loss, grief, and death. The performance was deeply moving, with each musician conveying the intensity of the music with their own individual playing styles.

Re:sound – Voices of Our Cities, a project by Streetwise Opera and the BBC Concert Orchestra, also took place this week. The performance celebrated the music of contemporary cities, and featured a range of works from around the world. The programme included pieces by composers from London, New York, and Tokyo, as well as an African-inspired work by a Cameroonian composer.

Overall, this week saw a wealth of stimulating and inspiring classical music performances, highlighting the range of styles and influences that characterise the genre.