Vasily Petrenko conducts Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is enormously grateful to bass-baritone Derek Welton for joining us for this concert at such short notice. Roderick Williams OBE has unfortunately had to withdraw from tonight’s performance due to illness.

With impassioned solos, soaring choruses and a rich symphonic tapestry, Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated choral works of the twentieth century; some consider it his masterpiece.

Setting the scene for the evening is the intense Prelude to Wagner’s opera Parsifal. Elgar was greatly inspired and influenced by Wagner and his musical DNA can be heard throughout The Dream of Gerontius.

‘Petrenko controlled every element of the movement with assurance, producing an outstandingly potent atmosphere.’ Bachtrack on Vasily Petrenko and the RPO

Please note that there will be an interval between Parts I & II of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius.

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The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the support of RPO President, Mrs Aline Foriel-Destezet.

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