The BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius

Sakari Oramo, a passionate Elgarian, conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus plus a superb trio of soloists in Elgar's greatest oratorio, The Dream of Gerontius.

Presented by Martin Handley.

Recorded at the Barbican Hall, London, on 16 May.

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius

Alice Coote (Mezzo-soprano)
Stuart Skelton (Tenor)
Alan Ewing (Bass)
BBC Symphony Chorus
BBC Symphony Orchestra
SAKARI ORAMO (Conductor)

Sir Edward Elgar's strong Roman Catholic faith drew him to a text by Cardinal Newman which explores the journey of man's soul through death, divine judgement and Purgatory. It contains some of his greatest music and caused Richard Strauss to raise a glass, saying 'I drink to the success and welfare of the first English progressive musician, Meister Elgar'. The BBC Symphony Chorus and Orchestra won a Gramophone Choral Award in 2015 for their recording of Gerontius.