Patricia Kopatchinskaja: Dies Irae
The innovative violinist evokes humanity's final day on earth, a ‘day of wrath’, in a staged reflection of our collective awakening to climate change.
Through music old and new, Kopatchinskaja, one of our Resident Artists for Spring/Summer 2024, leads a musician's reaction to a deeply threatened world.
This formidable performance features a repertoire of music that is by turns furious, impassioned and unsettling, culminating in Galina Ustwolskaja’s merciless Dies Irae and the Gregorian chant that inspired it, a striking signal marking the end of humanity.
First presented at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, Dies Irae was described by The Times as a ‘powerful reaction to climate change’. As Kopatchinskaja puts it: ‘Dies Irae is a reflection on our time, the climate disaster, our last day. Humanity is not infinite – but maybe our sounds and thoughts remain somewhere in the memory of the universe.’
Under a veil of video projections, lighting and theatrical staging, Kopatchinskaja, joined by the ever-original Aurora Orchestra, asks you to leave your comfort zone and join her in the fight for our world's future.
Performers
- Aurora Orchestra
- Patricia Kopatchinskaja violin
- Michael Wendeberg piano, organ, harpsichord
- Aurora Voices
Repertoire
- Scelsi: Okanagon for harp, tamtam & double bass
- Biber: Battalia à 10 in D
- Crumb: Sounds of bones and flutes (No.2); Danse macabre (No.5); Devil-music (No.4); God-music (No.10); Threnody II: Black Angels! (No.7) from Black Angels for electric string quartet
- PatKop: Die Wut (The Rage)
- Lotti: Crucifixus a 10
- Improvisation: On a Byzantine prayer
- Dowland: Lachrimae antiquae novae
- Ustvolskaya: Composition No.2 (Dies Irae)
- Gregorian Chant: Dies irae
Need to know
For ages 7+
Haze and flashing lights are used in this performance.
Find out more about the music with our free programme.
View the programme
Contains scenes that some may find disturbing. CW: death, war and violence.
Dates & times
Price
- Standard entryFrom £15*
- Concessions25%**
* Excludes £3.50 booking fee.
Book as early as you can to ensure the best choice of tickets. Ticket prices may be adjusted without notice to reflect demand.
** Limited availability. Read about concessions.
Tickets can only be sold through the Southbank Centre and our authorised agents, and can't be resold. You can return your tickets to the Southbank Centre for a credit voucher up to 48 hours before the event. Tickets resold on any third-party platforms will become invalid.
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Multi-buy discount
Classical Music: Spring/Summer 2024
As part of our classical music multi-buy offer, book multiple Spring/Summer 2024 concerts in the same transaction to receive a discount:
- 3 – 4 events: 10% discount
- 5 – 7 events: 15% discount
- 8 – 10 events: 20% discount
- 11 – 14 events: 25% discount
- 15+ events: 30% discount
Discounts apply to selected events, February – June 24 inclusive. Offer can't be combined with the Autumn/Winter 2023/24 multi-buy.
Venue
Queen Elizabeth Hall
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The Queen Elizabeth Hall is open 90 minutes before events
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More information
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Get an overview of the seating layout of Queen Elizabeth Hall by downloading our seating plan.
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An accessible toilet is located in the foyer.
A Changing Places toilet is located on Level 1 Royal Festival Hall next to the JCB Glass Lift, for the exclusive use of disabled people who need personal assistance to use the toilet.
The facility includes a height-adjustable bench, tracking hoist system, a centrally-placed toilet, a height-adjustable basin and a shower. Please visit the Welcome Desk on Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, where a member of staff can provide you with the key. You can also use the phone next to the Changing Places toilet to speak to a member of staff. The facility is open daily 10am – 11pm.
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To reach this entrance, enter the Royal Festival Hall via the Southbank Centre Square Doors. Take the JCB Glass Lift to Level 2 and exit to the Riverside Terrace. Turn right to find the Queen Elizabeth Hall main entrance.
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