The Dream of Gerontius was composed for the Birmingham Music Festival of 1900. Elgar took the words of the libretto from a poem by Cardinal John Henry Newman, which he said had been “soaking in my mind for at least eight years”.
The voices of the chorus and soloists interweave subtly with the instruments of a large symphony orchestra in Elgar’s dramatic work, which follows the journey of a soul passing from life to death, comforted and guided by a protective angel into purgatory with the promise of everlasting glory.
It is regarded as Elgar’s finest choral work and many consider it a masterpiece. It combines mystical, solemn, vivid orchestration and everything from majestic choral melodies to ethereal floating voices.
“This is the best of me” wrote Elgar on the Score of The Dream of Gerontius. It was a ground-breaking choral work of its time and a fitting work for our return to Concert Performances in 2021.
Soloists and Orchestra:
Diana Moore (Mezzo-Soprano)
James Oxley (Tenor)
Ossian Huskinson (Bass)
and Southern Pro Musica
PLEASE NOTE:
Seating in the cathedral will NOT be socially distanced.
We would encourage the use of face masks and on arrival you will be asked to register using the Test and Trace QR code.
We ask everyone to respect each other's private space when moving around the Cathedral and to not attend the concert if:
- you have symptoms / feel unwell;
- you have tested positive for COVID-19 (PCR or Lateral flow);
- you have been told to self isolate;
- someone you have close contact with has tested positive;
- you are quarantining after a visit abroad.
ONLINE BOOKING (for tickets and programmes) WILL CLOSE at MIDNIGHT on the day before the concert, 12 NOVEMBER 2021. We would encourage you to order a programme from Ticket Source when you buy your ticket. You will be able to exchange the token for a programme from the stewards without the need for a cash transaction.
Tickets are also available to buy from THE NOVIUM up until 12.00 on the day of the concert.
There will be dedicated seats available for WHEELCHAIR USERS and accompanying companions will be allocated a FREE ticket.
A few tickets will be also be available to buy on the door on the evening of the concert.
The concert duration is 95 minutes and there will be no interval.