Hymn to the Earth with DSO and DCS conducted by William Vann and Chris Stark

After our wonderful collaboration in 2024 Dulwich Choral Society again joins forces with Dulwich Symphony Orchestra for a fabulous collection of lesser known works by great composers, weaving in themes of nature, belief and time.

The title work, Hymn to the Earth, is a rare choral short by Sibelius that contrasts beautifully with Holst's and Boulanger's exotic takes on prayer. Dulwich Symphony Orchestra is then in the spotlight for Sibelius' youthful tone poem, En Saga, before joining the chorus again for Vaughan Williams' grand Whitman setting, Toward the Unknown Region. Bookending the evening are two late romantic choral rarities by Ravel and Fauré, the latter being written at much the same time as his Requiem and similarly rich and serene.

Maurice Ravel - L’Aurore (The dawn)
Jean Sibelius - En Saga (A Fairy Tale)
Ralph Vaughan Williams - Toward the Unknown Region
Gustav Holst - Battle Hymn (Rig Veda, Set 1) 
Lili Boulanger - Vielle prière bouddhique (Old Buddhist prayer)
Jean Sibelius - Maan virsi (Hymn to the Earth) 
Gabriel Fauré - La Naissance de Vénus (The birth of Venus)

Leah Jackson soprano

Rosemary Clifford mezzo-soprano

Xavier Hetherington tenor

Gareth Brynmor John baritone
Dulwich Choral Society

Dulwich Symphony Orchestra

William Vann and Christopher Stark 

We can’t wait to see you on 21st November at All Saints Church for this unique collaboration. Tickets are on sale on both dulwichchoral.com and dulwichsymphonyorchestra.org.uk

Refreshments available from 7pm and during the interval. To avoid crowding we recommend pre-ordering drinks for the interval using contactless payment.