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BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus/Davis

A Child of Our Time

,Hall
Sir Andrew Davis conducts, with green BBC SO branding around his centred image

Hope comes from darkness as Sir Andrew Davis conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra and a team of world-class performers in Michael Tippett’s heart-rending A Child of Our Time.  

Tippett’s A Child of Our Time begins in sorrow: ‘The world turns on its dark side. It is winter.’ Composed at the start of the Second World War but provoked by decades of intolerance, Tippett’s ‘modern oratorio’ is built around the soul-shaking melodies of African-American spirituals. But the human spirit is unbreakable, and this great British choral masterpiece is anything but a counsel of despair.

Sir Andrew Davis understands that; and after a lifetime championing British music, there are few artists better equipped than our Conductor Laureate to bring out Tippett’s boundless optimism as well as his burning sorrow. The BBC Symphony Chorus is joined by a truly exceptional team of soloists, and it all begins with a great leap of hope and joy: the ever-fresh Concerto for Double String Orchestra.

Tagged with: Classical music BBC Symphony Orchestra Multibuy - Feb-Jun 2023 BBC Symphony Orchestra

This performance will finish at approximately 9.30pm, including a 20-minute interval

Produced by the BBC Symphony Orchestra

Programme

  • Michael Tippett   Concerto for Double String Orchestra
  •   A Child of Our Time

Performers

  • BBC Symphony Orchestra  
  • Sir Andrew Davis   conductor
  • Pumeza Matshikiza   soprano
  • Dame Sarah Connolly   mezzo-soprano
  • Joshua Stewart   tenor
  • Ashley Riches*   bass
  • BBC Symphony Chorus  

*Matthew Brook has had to withdraw from this performance, and we are grateful to Ashley Riches who will perform in his place.

Digital programme

Hall

Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.