"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.
more about Cambridge Philharmonic
Cambridge Philharmonic, founded in 1887, is one of Britain’s oldest and most distinguished music societies. It comprises of both a full symphony orchestra and large chorus. The society’s auditioned members are drawn from in and around Cambridge, representing a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Under the direction of Music Director, Harry Sever, Cambridge Philharmonic performs a wide range of repertoire as part of its annual concert series, including an opera, family concert, classical and contemporary works. Many of these members generously volunteer their time to ensure the Cambridge Philharmonic remains successful, in this way the society is a very sociable and welcoming community organisation. Find out more here