Sounds of the Times: Volatile Prayers Presented by New World Symphony

Today’s leading interpreter of contemporary music, Jeffrey Milarsky returns to NWS to lead Fellows and audience on a spiritual journey. Known for its interpretations of Steve Reich’s music, Synergy Vocals recite Hebrew psalms in this chamber orchestra version of his powerful Tehillim. American music icon John Adams married science, art, morality and humanity in his award-winning opera Doctor Atomic. The inner chaos and conflict of J. Robert Oppenheimer, who developed the atomic bomb, comes to life in this symphonic reworking which includes the opera’s “panic” and “military” music, culminating with an orchestral setting of Oppenheimer’s “Batter My Heart” aria. Prayer Bells starts at a whisper, but before long Augusta Read Thomas’ score has the orchestra tolling at a full clangor.