CBSO Haydn 200: The Creation

“When I think of God, I can’t help writing cheerful music,” admitted Joseph Haydn. So it’s no wonder that his great oratorio The Creation is one of the freshest, happiest and most unstuffy pieces of religious music ever written. Fizzy operatic arias, blockbuster choruses and a visionary musical depiction of the birth of the Universe itself – they’re all part of Haydn’s shamelessly tuneful version of the Book of Genesis. Adam and Eve even get their own love-duet! There’s no more enjoyable way to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Haydn’s death – and to hear the CBSO’s magnificent chorus in full, resplendent voice.

Tonight’s concert is supported by the Tolkien Trust.

Pre-concert talk – 6.15pm – Haydn’s Creation in a post-Darwinian World

Lord Harries of Pentregarth, the former Bishop of Oxford, gives his perspective on the significance of the Creation story in the Eighteenth Century.

www.cbso.co.uk