Simon Wright leads the orchestra and choirs in the performance of Elgar The Dream of Gerontius

Elgar The Dream of Gerontius

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Leeds Festival Chorus
Leeds Philharmonic Chorus

Simon Wright conductor
Catherine Wyn- Rogers mezzo soprano
Paul Nilon tenor
Brindley Sherratt bass

Raised as a Roman Catholic, it is said that Elgar set Cardinal Newman’s poem to music as an exploration of his faith at a time when the Church of England was dominant. The work opens as Gerontius, (Paul Nilon), is a dying man with a strong faith. Following his death, his soul begins a journey to the judgement throne, led by the Angel (Sarah Connolly). The climax of the piece occurs when Gerontius meets God in Purgatory with a promise of re-awakening in heaven.

The Dream of Gerontius was premiered at Birmingham Town Hall in 1900 for the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival. Along with the Enigma Variations, this composition put Britain on the musical map in Europe, allowing other British composers to make more headway. In addition, the role of the Angel boosted the profile of singers such as Janet Baker and Kathleen Ferrier.

"I always said God was against art and I still believe it." Edward Elgar

This concert will finish at approximately 9.30pm

Pre-concert talk 6.45pm
Albert Room
Julian Rushton discusses the evening’s works.
Entry is free to ticket-holders for the concert but space is limited so please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Read a review of the Leeds Festival Chorus and the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus when they performed at Leeds Town Hall on Saturday 21 March 2009 

Read a review of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Leeds Philharmonic Chorus when they performed at Leeds Town Hall on Saturday 14 Nov 2009

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