MUSIC FROM AMERICA: BARBER & BERNSTEIN

The vocal and instrumental forces of the London Choral Sinfonia present an evening of sumptuous 20th Century American music to launch their 2024/25 Season.

Barber’s ‘Adagio’ is one of the most hauntingly beautiful pieces ever written. Heard here in the composer’s own choral arrangement, ‘Agnus Dei’, it resonates powerfully with both performers and audiences alike. Premiered in 1965, Leonard Bernstein chose texts from a number of psalms to create the hugely-popular ‘Chichester Psalms’. Formed of three contrasting movements, Bernstein’s masterpiece is full of tuneful and vibrant music. Morten Lauridsen’s ‘Lux Aeterna’ for choir and orchestra was premiered in 1997 and became an instant success, with rich harmonies and textures making it instant success with audiences around the world.

Samuel Barber Adagio (version for choir)
Leonard Bernstein Chichester Psalms
Aaron Copland Four Motets
Randall Thompson Alleluia
Morten Lauridsen Lux Aeterna

Sinfonia Smith Square, London, SW1P 3HA