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Music of Exile: Genesis Suite & Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra

London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Simon Rattle

,Barbican Hall
classicalmusic_2018_genesis

Sir Simon Rattle conducts two works from the 1940s, including a rarely-heard collaboration between some of the biggest composers of the day, with visual projections from director Gerard McBurney.

1945: the world is reeling from war and persecution on a scale never seen before. Seven composers – many of them Jewish, with Schoenberg and Stravinsky among them – have left Europe, taking refuge in the US and finding opportunities in Hollywood’s glittering film industry.

These seven composers came together to create something never heard before: the Genesis Suite, musically depicting dramatic stories from the first book of the Bible. The Tower of Babel, Adam and Eve, the Flood – these are stories of displaced peoples, broken promises and destruction. 

And in this rare performance these stories of Genesis, war and our current political climate will be brought to life through visual projections by Gerard McBurney and Mike Tutaj, transforming the Barbican Hall in a new realisation as innovative as the Genesis Suite itself.

Tagged with: Classical music London Symphony Orchestra 2017-18 Multibuy The Art Of Change More...

Part of our 2018 Season, The Art of Change, which explores how artists respond to, reflect and can potentially effect change in the social and political landscape.

Programme

  • Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Milhaud et al   Genesis Suite
  • Bartók   Concerto for Orchestra

Performers

  • Sir Simon Rattle   conductor
  • Gerard McBurney   creative director
  • Mike Tutaj   projection design
  • Helen McCrory   narrator
  • Simon Callow   narrator
  • Rodney Earl Clarke   narrator
  • Sara Kestelman   narrator
  • London Symphony Chorus  
  • Simon Halsey   chorus director
  • London Symphony Orchestra  

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Barbican 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.