James Day (Artistic Director, Barnes Music Festival) conducts the Festival Orchestra, the English Chamber Choir and the Tiffin Chamber Choir for the final concert of the Barnes Music Festival 2025.

The momentous work was composed in 1900, and relays the journey of a pious man’s soul facing death and the judgement of God, before being sent to purgatory. The piece is set to text from a poem by John Henry Newman, and is often considered Elgar’s masterpiece.

There will be a talk on Newman’s text prior to the performance from Richard Harries, Baron Harries of Pentregarth and former Bishop of Oxford.

The concert will be preceded by a performance by this year’s Barnes Young Musician of the Year, chosen during the festival at the final adjudication on 16 March.

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Programme:
Edward Elgar - The Dream of Gerontius
Pre-concert talk on Newman’s text - Bishop Richard Harries

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James Day - conductor
Barnes Festival Orchestra
English Chamber Choir - chorus
Tiffin Chamber Choir - semi chorus
Helen Charlston - mezzo soprano
Edward Lyon - tenor
Gareth John - bass