El Nino
John Adams 's oratorio explores the Nativity from a new angle, following the fortunes of an unmarried mother who has given birth to a miracle child in a car park. The libretto incorporates writings from Hildegard of Bingen, Latin-American women poets, the Wakefield Mysteries, the Haggai, the Bible and the Gnostic Gospels. John Adams conducts a staged performance at the Barbican, London, directed by Peter Sellars. Presented by Andrew McGregor. Dawn Upshaw (soprano), Kirsti Harms (mezzo), Willard White (bass-baritone), Theatre of Voices, London Voices,
BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by the Composer
John Adams El Nino (first UK performance)