Haydn's Creation

Join the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for Haydn’s Creation at Lighthouse, Poole on Wednesday 10 February. Don’t miss this phenomenal oratorio, considered by many to be his best, performed by Anna Devin, Benjamin Hulett, Christopher Purves and the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, under the baton of Conductor, David Hill.

For Haydn, The Creation was a summation of his religious convictions as well as his life’s work as a composer. Every one of his scores ended with the inscription “Laus Deo” (God be Praised) or “Soli Deo Gloria” (For the Glory of God alone), and never was it more fitting than at the end of this illuminating oratorio.

It is a masterpiece by any standards. Embracing a great diversity of episodes, all of which Haydn sets with confidence and imagination, his love of nature can be found everywhere. Most importantly, his deep religious faith illuminates every bar. It still speaks eloquently to believer and non-believer alike with its lively arias and rousing choruses, and this, in the end, was what Haydn hoped his music would do.

The opening is one of Haydn’s most gripping moments of genius – a depiction of the chaos that reigned before the birth of the world. Fragmented themes, shocking dissonances and unexpected instrumental flourishes conjure a vision of a tumultuous universe before Haydn wields a stunning and dramatic stroke: at the moment of the creation of light, the orchestra and chorus unleash their full power that underlines the cosmic power of the moment.

David Hill - Conductor
Anna Devin - Soprano
Benjamin Hulett - Tenor
Christopher Purves - Bass-baritone
Bournemouth Symphony Chorus

Works and composers:
Haydn - The Creation

This concert is part of an ongoing series on Wednesday evenings at Lighthouse, Poole. Multibuy discounts are on offer for all concerts booked through the BSO Box Office – so the more you visit, the more you save! They will also be streaming 18 Digital Concerts this season so check out their What’s On page on bsolive.com, to see which concerts you can watch from the comfort of your own home.