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Concerts

MESSIAEN'S ET EXSPECTO

Performers

Nicholas Daniel
conductor
Britten Sinfonia
Sinfonia Smith Square
Choir of Merton College, Oxford
Benjamin Nicholas
conductor

Programme

Stravinsky
Symphonies of Wind Instruments (9')
Poulenc
Timor et Tremor; Vinea mea electa (7’)
Durufle
Ubi caritas et amor (2')
Poulenc
Tristis est anima mea (3’)
Stravinsky
Mass (18')
Interval
Messiaen
Vocalise-etude (3’)
O Sacrum Convivium (4’)
Et Exspecto Resurrectionem Mortuorum (30')

Nicholas Daniel conducts Britten Sinfonia and Sinfonia Smith Square in Messiaen's monumental Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum.

Featuring the massed wind, brass and percussion players of Britten Sinfonia and Sinfonia Smith Square, this programme pivots around Messiaen’s gigantic, and rarely performed, tribute to the dead of two World Wars. With forces uniquely coloured by a vast array of cowbells, gongs and tam tams, the stark monoliths of sound summon a mighty sense of awe that makes Et Exspecto a bucket-list concert experience.

This concert marks Daniel’s final performance with Britten Sinfonia in the post of Principal Oboe, one he has held since being one of the founding members of the orchestra in 1992. The performance is a celebration of Daniel’s distinguished work and long-standing relationship with the orchestra.