Entertainment

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

  • 02. Apr 2023. 9:57
  • By The EU Times
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This week saw a varied mix of classical music performances. English National Opera (ENO) staged the world premiere of The Dead City at the Coliseum in London, followed by a performance of George Crumb’s Black Angels at Kings Place by the Manchester Collective. Re:sound: Voices of Our Cities, a collaboration between Streetwise Opera and BBC Concert Orchestra, was also performed.

The Dead City, an opera composed by Gareth Williams with a libretto by Joy Wilkinson and directed by ENO artistic director Annilese Miskimmon, is a powerful reimagining of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Drawing on elements of science fiction and fantasy, the production is a vivid exploration of the power of love and loss. With a compelling score and striking visuals, the production is a captivating experience.

The Manchester Collective’s performance of Black Angels, a work by American composer George Crumb, brought the audience to a state of contemplation. The music is a vivid expression of human suffering that is both haunting and beautiful. The ensemble’s nuanced playing and delicate dynamics created an atmosphere of intense emotion.

Re:sound: Voices of Our Cities, a collaboration between Streetwise Opera and BBC Concert Orchestra, was an ambitious programme of new commissions. The works explored themes of identity, belonging and community, with music that ranged from folk-inspired melodies to contemporary sounds. The performance featured both Streetwise Opera’s singers and BBC Concert Orchestra’s musicians, who combined to create a powerful and moving performance.

This week’s classical performances showcased a range of styles, from ancient Greek myth to contemporary music. The Dead City, Black Angels and Re:sound: Voices of Our Cities were all powerful and emotive performances, demonstrating the power of music to move and inspire.