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Martyn Brabbins takes the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Symphony Orchestra and Chorus on an adventure that spans oceans – from a majestic choral masterwork from 19th century Brazil to Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.

Nunes García was a contemporary of Beethoven – a musician and priest of mixed heritage who scaled the pinnacle of Brazilian musical life when the exiled Portuguese court relocated to Rio de Janeiro. This magnificent Mass setting from 1826 – dedicated to the patron saint of music – might just be his masterpiece. Martyn Brabbins, a suberb cast of soloists and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Symphony Chorus bring it out of the shadows tonight.

When Modest Mussorgsky visited an exhibition of pictures by a much-missed friend, his imagination ignited. Pictures at an Exhibition with its glowing skulls, dancing chicks and the Great Gate of Kyiv is one of the most colourful half-hours you’ll ever spend in a concert hall.

Soprano April Koyejo-Audiger, has had to withdraw from the performance owing to ill health. We are grateful to Erika Baikoff who will perform in her place.

Marta Fontanals-Simmons is unwell and has had to withdraw from tonight’s concert. We are grateful to Carris Jones who will perform in her place at extremely short notice.