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BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus/Brabbins & Charles Styles

,Hall
Photo of actor Ruth Wilson within the BBC Symphony Orchestra's branded frame

Beowulf and Job: two tales of courage, defiance and the triumph of the human spirit, retold in music by Iain Bell and Ralph Vaughan Williams, performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

'Now with Grendel, that monstrous beast / With my grip I shall grapple, foe against foe!' In the mists of the dark ages, the warrior Beowulf prepares to battle a bloodthirsty monster. And in a tale from the Old Testament, Job faces the torments of hell, armed only with an unshakable faith. Humanity can defy all odds, and these two ancient tales have inspired music of elemental power.

Indeed, Vaughan Williams’ ballet Job is one of the most original masterpieces of 20th-century British music – bold, strange and charged with the elemental power of the William Blake drawings that inspired it. But first, experience the epic drama of Beowulf, in a thrilling new choral retelling from one of the 21st century’s most compelling musical dramatists, narrated by award-winning actor Ruth Wilson and with soloist Charles Styles.

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

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

Produced by BBC Symphony Orchestra

Programme

  • Iain Bell   Beowulf (BBC commission, world premiere)
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams   Job: A Masque for Dancing

Performers

  • BBC Symphony Orchestra  
  • Martyn Brabbins   conductor
  • Charles Styles*   tenor
  • Ruth Wilson   narrator
  • BBC Symphony Chorus  

*Stuart Skelton is unwell and has had to withdraw from the concert. We are very grateful to Charles Styles 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.