Andrew Litton and the Minnesota Chorale: Bernstein and Walton
About This Concert:
A huge success at its 1930s premiere and beloved by orchestras and choirs since, Belshazzar’s Feast tells the ancient Hebrew story of lamentation and liberation.
- Minnesota Orchestra
- Andrew Litton, conductor
- Christopher Maltman, baritone
- Minnesota Chorale
BERNSTEIN
Fancy Free
Chichester Psalms
WALTON
Belshazzar's Feast
Fun Facts:
- Leonard Bernstein, linked so strongly to Manhattan by his Broadway successes and his years leading the New York Philharmonic, was born 100 years ago—outside Boston.
- Bernstein’s Fancy Free is a ballet set in WWII-era New York, the comic story of three sailors on leave and looking for love.
- Belshazzar’s Feast sets Hebrew scripture about the overthrow of Babylonia’s King Belshazzar to sweeping music.
- The British Broadcasting Corporation commissioned Walton in 1929 to create a “small-scale” choral work, but instead he wrote Belshazzar’s Feast for a chorus and orchestra so large they couldn’t fit into BBC studios.
- Sir Thomas Beecham conducted the premiere, and as he saw the work-in-progress getting larger and larger he said, “My dear boy, because no one will ever hear this piece again, why not throw in a couple of brass bands?”
- After the huge success of its 1931 premiere, Belshazzar’s Feast became one of the most popular oratorios of the 20th century.
- Since his last performance at Orchestra Hall in 2008, Christopher Maltman returns with the Minnesota Chorale.
It takes a larger-than-life talent to bring William Walton’s sweeping oratorio Belshazzar’s Feast to life, and Andrew Litton is just that talent–with a Grammy-winning® recording to prove it. Litton joins us in spring to lead this inspirational setting from the Hebrew scriptures about the liberation of the Jewish people.
Classical
Andrew Litton and the Minnesota Chorale: Bernstein and Walton
Tickets
Other Performances
Andrew Litton, conductor | Photo © Jeff Wheeler
#MNOrch
Plan your visit
Other Ways to Buy
About This Concert:
A huge success at its 1930s premiere and beloved by orchestras and choirs since, Belshazzar’s Feast tells the ancient Hebrew story of lamentation and liberation.
- Minnesota Orchestra
- Andrew Litton, conductor
- Christopher Maltman, baritone
- Minnesota Chorale
BERNSTEIN
Fancy Free
Chichester Psalms
WALTON
Belshazzar's Feast
Fun Facts:
- Leonard Bernstein, linked so strongly to Manhattan by his Broadway successes and his years leading the New York Philharmonic, was born 100 years ago—outside Boston.
- Bernstein’s Fancy Free is a ballet set in WWII-era New York, the comic story of three sailors on leave and looking for love.
- Belshazzar’s Feast sets Hebrew scripture about the overthrow of Babylonia’s King Belshazzar to sweeping music.
- The British Broadcasting Corporation commissioned Walton in 1929 to create a “small-scale” choral work, but instead he wrote Belshazzar’s Feast for a chorus and orchestra so large they couldn’t fit into BBC studios.
- Sir Thomas Beecham conducted the premiere, and as he saw the work-in-progress getting larger and larger he said, “My dear boy, because no one will ever hear this piece again, why not throw in a couple of brass bands?”
- After the huge success of its 1931 premiere, Belshazzar’s Feast became one of the most popular oratorios of the 20th century.
- Since his last performance at Orchestra Hall in 2008, Christopher Maltman returns with the Minnesota Chorale.
It takes a larger-than-life talent to bring William Walton’s sweeping oratorio Belshazzar’s Feast to life, and Andrew Litton is just that talent–with a Grammy-winning® recording to prove it. Litton joins us in spring to lead this inspirational setting from the Hebrew scriptures about the liberation of the Jewish people.
Listen on Spotify
Preview this performance for free, using Spotify. If you're a member, simply click play. To download Spotify, click the green circle.
OH+ Concert activities on Saturday June 2 / see all upcoming OH+ events
MOB (Minnesota Orchestra Band) Performance
When: Post-concert Where: Target Atrium Stick around to hear The Beatles "Let It Be" album performed by musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra who have picked up new instruments to form a rock band.