The week in classical: The Dead City; Black Angels; Re:sound – review
This week saw a remarkable lineup of classical performances, from English National Opera's (ENO) The Dead City to the Manchester Collective's Black Angels, and Re:sound's Voices of our Cities.
First up was ENO's powerful production of The Dead City, which saw the London Coliseum transformed into a post-apocalyptic landscape. Director Annilese Miskimmon's vision was gritty yet strangely beautiful, with a cast of incredible singers and musicians. The story of a world brought to its knees by an unstoppable virus was a timely reminder of the fragility of our lives.
Next up was the Manchester Collective's Black Angels, which featured the music of George Crumb. This mesmerising performance was held at Kings Place and featured a superb cast of musicians, including a string quartet, a percussionist, and a clarinetist. The music was haunting and ethereal, and the staging was a unique blend of modern and classical elements.
Finally, Re:sound's Voices of our Cities was a collaboration between the BBC Concert Orchestra, Streetwise Opera, and musicians from across the UK. This was an ambitious project, which saw performances of music from the past and present, all inspired by our cities. It was an uplifting celebration of the diverse cultures and musical styles that make up our country.
This week was a reminder of the power of classical music, and the many ways it can be used to tell stories, express emotions, and bring people together. Whether it was ENO's The Dead City, the Manchester Collective's Black Angels, or Re:sound's Voices of our Cities, this week's performances were a reminder of the richness and complexity of classical music.