Conquering the Antarctic

VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Extracts from Scott of the Antarctic
CECILIA MCDOWELL: Seventy Degrees Below Zero (world premiere)
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Symphony No. 7, 'Sinfonia Antartica'


The concert tells the story of the expedition through music from the film score to 'Scott of the Antarctic' and Vaughan Williams' 'Sinfonia Antartica', with its eerie wordless female chorus and elaborate percussion section. It features projected original photographs from the expedition itself, as well as readings from Scott's own diary and letters written during the expedition.

In addition, composer Cecilia McDowall has been commissioned to write a new piece of music entitled Seventy Degrees Below Zero, specifically for the tour.

City of London Sinfonia

Stephen Layton, conductor

Robert Murray, tenor

In partnership with the Scott Polar Research Institute.

Supported by Arts Council, England, the Colwinston Trust, the RVW Trust and the Vaughan Williams Charitable Trust.

Part of the London 2012 Festival.