The Hallé Orchestra, David Butt-Philip, Sasha Cooke, Iain Paterson, Halle Youth Choir, Halle Choir

A setting of a poem by John Henry Newman, The Dream of Gerontius tells the story of a soul’s journey through death into purgatory with the promise of a final re-awakening to glory.

Elgar’s remarkable score reflects an eclectic range of influences: Wagner, Verdi, Anglican and Catholic liturgical music. In its ‘Demons’ Chorus’ there are even echoes of the Victorian music-hall. Yet Elgar imposed on the work an extraordinary dramatic and musical unity that is unsurpassed in his choral output.

Iain Paterson returns following his appearance in Das Rheingold earlier in the season, to sing the dual roles of the Priest and The Angel of the Agony; while two rising vocal stars, David Butt Philip and Sasha Cooke are Gerontius and The Angel respectively.