Cambridge Philharmonic
Les Illuminations
Saturday 18th March
7:30 pm
"I alone have the key to this savage parade" – surrealist French poet Arthur Rimbaud’s poetry comes to luminous life in Britten’s iconic song cycle, Les Illuminations. Acclaimed tenor and Associate Director of the Dunedin Consort, Nicholas Mulroy, joins the orchestra for this intriguing and mystical work.
Mysticism pervades the rest of this programme, which brings together old and new. Boulanger’s Vielle Prière Bouddhique sets a 5th Century Buddhist prayer in an intoxicating musical language, whilst Ravel’s Pavane and Ma Mère l’Oye demonstrate the French composer’s mastery of orchestration. The concert culminates in Poulenc’s staggering Gloria, which is a technicolour showpiece for chorus and orchestra alike.
We are also delighted to commission a new choral-orchestral work for this concert by talented young composer Lucy Armstrong, with text by Rebecca Hurst.
Soprano Ellie Laugharne, Tenor Nicholas Mulroy
Conductor Tom Primrose
Cambridge Philharmonic Chorus & Orchestra
Britten Les Illuminations
Ravel Pavane pour une Infante Défunte & Ma Mère l’Oye Suite
Lucy Armstrong new commission
Boulanger Vielle Prière Bouddhique
Poulenc Gloria
Ticket & Booking Information
From £15. Discounts available for students & under 18s