Sonic Geography

New music inspired by the climate crisis. Lose yourself in a world premiere by John Luther Adams, played by pianist Ralph Van Raat alongside new commissions by Ailís Ní Ríain and Alissa Firsova, all performed by the BBC Philharmonic and conducted by Vimbayi Kaziboni.  

‘The deepest past and the distant future are written in the rocks beneath our feet.’ 

From mountains that rise out of icefields to rocks that lie deep beneath the earth’s surface, be transported by this concert of three new works inspired by the resolve, resilience and magic of the natural world.  

A world premiere from Grammy Award-winning composer John Luther Adams, Prophecies of Stone looks to Arctic landscapes and the sonic geography they conjure up. Journey through mountainous terrain in this atmospheric piece brought to life across four movements by solo pianist Ralph Van Raat and the BBC Philharmonic. 

A new piece by Alissa Firsova explores the interconnectedness of the natural world, with a contralto soloist taking centre stage. Composer and writer Ailís Ní Ríain also considers environmental awareness through a new composition.  

Conducted by Vimbayi Kaziboni and performed with the BBC Philharmonic at Manchester’s iconic The Bridgewater Hall, expect to soar through soundscapes that remind us of our place in nature.  

Encompassing stillness and movement, peaks and depths – these are the sounds of environments that will live on long after humans. Come and get lost in time and music.