Entertainment

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

  • 02. Apr 2023. 9:16
  • By The EU Times
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This week in classical music saw a flurry of activity as composers and performers shared their creative visions with audiences. From a new opera at the Coliseum in London to a choral work at Kings Place, there was a wealth of musical treats to enjoy.

The English National Opera (ENO) hosted the world premiere of The Dead City, composed by Manchester-based composer Annelise Miskimmon and directed by Jo Davies. The opera imagines a post-apocalyptic world in which a small group of survivors struggle to survive and make sense of the chaos they find themselves in. The production featured a stunning set design, strong performances from the cast, and a powerfully evocative score that drew on folk and classical music as well as soundscapes.

Meanwhile, at Kings Place, the London-based new music ensemble The Black Angels performed George Crumb’s Black Angels. The music was written in 1970 as a protest against the Vietnam War, and its dynamic and expressive textures were brought to life by the group’s passionate performance.

The week also saw the launch of Re:sound, a series of concerts from BBC Concert Orchestra and Streetwise Opera that brought together the voices of our cities. The first concert featured music from composers from around the world, with a particular focus on refugees and migrants, and included a new work by the Iraqi-Kurdish composer and oud player Sarab.

All in all, it was a week of inspiring music-making, with creative voices from all around the world coming together to share their stories. Here’s hoping that this week’s performances will inspire more people to explore classical music and its many forms.