09/10 | Lonely Angel

An intriguing mix of baroque and modern music centred around the themes of struggle, redemption and solace. In Vasks’ Lonely Angel, an angel hovers over the world observing the state of the ravaged Earth with tears in his eyes. An almost imperceptible, loving touch of his wings brings comfort and healing. The solo violin embodies the otherworldly voice of the angel who tirelessly watches over the world. In Dark with Excessive Bright, Missy Mazzoli draws upon the deeply dark and poignant tones of the double bass. This concerto for contrabass and strings takes its title from John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost, which explores themes of good and evil, forgiveness, and redemption. Honegger’s Second Symphony represents imminent salvation in this concert programme. Even though this work was written during the Second World War and carries a dark feel, the symphony finishes with an optimistic, celebratory and deeply emotional climax, a symbol of hope and freedom.