An Olympic Thread

In this concert the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment takes centre-stage in the Cultural Olympiad celebrations, with the world premiere of Spinal Chords by Sally Beamish.

Commissioned as part of New Music 20×12, the piece is set to a text by Melanie Reid, who broke her neck and back during a horse-riding accident in 2010. Melanie has since been writing an inspirational account of her life as a columnist for The Times newspaper and the piece reflects the positivity of Melanie and the immense spirit of the Paralympian movement. The rest of the programme continues the Olympic theme with references to the Movement’s home country, Greece and the coming together of nations.

Telemann: Les Nations (Overture)
Handel: Aria, 'Figlio d’Altre Speranza'
Sally Beamish: Spinal Chords (London premiere)
Locatelli: Concerto Grosso Op.7 No.6, Il pianto d’Arianna
Handel: Cantata, 'Delirio Amoroso'

Matthew Truscott director
Roberta Invernizzi soprano
Juliet Stevenson narrator