Southampton Philharmonic Choir - The Dream of Gerontius

Edward Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius, Oratorio for soloists, chorus and orchestra, Op. 38

Susan Bickley mezzo-soprano
John Findon tenor
Darren Jeffery baritone
Southampton Philharmonic Choir
Southampton University Philharmonic Choir
Docklands Sinfonia
and
Stephen Hope conductor

Please note that doors open at 6pm for the 7pm concert.

Southampton Philharmonic Choir invite you to their performance of Edward Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius – a profound and moving choral masterpiece. First performed almost exactly 125 years ago, on 3 October 1900, Elgar’s setting of Cardinal John Henry Newman’s poem follows the journey of a soul facing death and contemplating the afterlife. Though the poem is rooted in Catholic tradition, the themes of mortality, legacy, and hope speak to people of all faiths and none.

With three soloists, two choirs, a full orchestra, and organ, Elgar creates a powerful soundworld that ranges from hushed reverence to terrifying confrontation, from haunting despair to radiant triumph. The music flows seamlessly from beginning to end, influenced by Wagner’s dramatic style, yet stamped with Elgar’s own unmistakable voice.

More than a concert, The Dream of Gerontius is a deeply human experience—music that continues to move and inspire audiences over a century after its first performance.