Old Pictures, New Worlds

BBC Symphony Orchestra/Brabbins

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Tenor Joshua Stewart smiling at the camera, with red and purple circular swirls around him

Martyn Brabbins takes the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus on an adventure that spans oceans – from a majestic choral masterwork from 19th century Brazil to Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.

Nunes García was a contemporary of Beethoven – a musician and priest of mixed heritage who scaled the pinnacle of Brazilian musical life when the exiled Portuguese court relocated to Rio de Janeiro. This magnificent Mass setting from 1826 – dedicated to the patron saint of music – might just be his masterpiece. Martyn Brabbins, a suberb cast of soloists and the BBC Symphony Chorus bring it out of the shadows tonight. 

When Modest Mussorgsky visited an exhibition of pictures by a much-missed friend, his imagination ignited. Pictures at an Exhibition with its glowing skulls, dancing chicks and the Great Gate of Kyiv is one of the most colourful half-hours you’ll ever spend in a concert hall.

Tagged with: Classical music BBC Symphony Orchestra BBC Symphony Orchestra Multibuy Feb–Jul 2024

The end time for this performance will be added closer to the performance date

Produced by BBC Symphony Orchestra

Programme

José Maurício Nunes Garcia Missa de Santa Cecília
Modest Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition

Performers

BBC Symphony Orchestra
Martyn Brabbins conductor
Erika Baikoff* soprano
Carris Jones** mezzo-soprano
Joshua Stewart tenor

* April Koyejo-Audiger has had to withdraw from the performance owing to ill health. The BBC SO is grateful to Erika Baikoff who will perform in her place.

 

** Marta Fontanals-Simmons is unwell and has had to withdraw from tonight’s concert. The BBC Symphony Orchestra is grateful to Carris Jones who will perform in her place at extremely short notice.

 

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