Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem
Barts Choir presents 20th century classics by Vaughan Williams, Rachmaninov and Poulenc – works all influenced by, yet rising above, the shadow of war.
Vaughan Williams had served in the First World War, and Dona Nobis Pacem is his response both to the horror of the first and the looming threat of a second, culminating in a joyous vision of the ending of war through reconciliation between people and nations.
The angels’ song ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace’, which concludes the work, is also the starting point for the Latin Gloria, set by Poulenc in 1959. Though a largely tuneful and upbeat work, its more meditative and anguished moments are perhaps coloured by Poulenc’s personal experience of the loss of friends (which had turned him back to his Catholic faith), and of living in German-occupied Paris.
Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances, his last major orchestral work, was written in the US in 1940. It uses a large orchestra to brilliant effect, but like many of his later compositions also betrays a yearning for his native Russia, which he had been forced to flee following the 1917 Revolution.
Performers
- Philharmonia Orchestra
- Ivor Setterfield conductor
- Jennifer Witton soprano
- Dominic Sedgwick baritone *
- Barts Choir
Repertoire
- Vaughan Williams: Dona nobis pacem
- Interval
- Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances
- Poulenc: Gloria
Need to know
For ages 7+
* Please note change of performer from originally advertised.
Dates & times
Price
- Standard entryFrom £15*
- Concessions25%**
* Excludes £3.50 booking fee.
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** Limited availability. Read about concessions.
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Venue
Royal Festival Hall
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More information
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Toilets
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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.
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Booking wheelchair positions
When booking a wheelchair position in the Royal Festival Hall for large motorised wheelchairs (more than 65cm wide), please book in the rear stalls or side stalls. Boxes aren't able to accommodate larger wheelchairs due to limited space. If you have any queries, please contact [email protected] or call 020 3879 9555.
Entering the hall
For level access to the Royal Festival Hall from the Queen Elizabeth Hall Slip Road off Belvedere Road, please use the Southbank Centre Square Doors. The JCB Glass Lift is situated at this entrance and will take you to all floors. All floors are accessible from the main foyer on Level 2. If you need further assistance, our Visitor Assistants are here to help you.
You can also use the external lift near the Artists' Entrance on Southbank Centre Square to reach Mandela Walk, Level 2.
We welcome wheelchair users and guide companion dogs.
More about Access & facilities
Parking
Blue Badge holders and those with access requirements can be dropped off on the Queen Elizabeth Hall Slip Road off Belvedere Road (the road between the Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward Gallery).
There are four Blue Badge parking spaces available for visitors located on the Queen Elizabeth Hall Slip Road. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and are free to use. You must display your Blue Badge as you enter the site. Vehicles that do not display a Blue Badge are refused entry.
Blue Badge parking at National Theatre
Alternative parking for Blue Badge holders visiting the Southbank Centre can be found at the National Theatre car park (330 metres). If you are visiting the Hayward Gallery, just take your badge and car park ticket to the Ticket Desk in the gallery foyer for validation before you leave.
Please note: when the National Theatre building is closed (on Sundays, and on days without performances) there is no step-free access from the car park. Please contact the National Theatre directly to check before travelling. Call 020 7452 3961 or email [email protected]
Alternative parking is available nearby at the APCOA Cornwall Road Car Park (490 metres), subject to charges.
Blue Badge parking at APCOA Cornwall Road
Alternative parking for Blue Badge holders visiting the Southbank Centre can also be found at the South Bank Car Park – APCOA Cornwall Road Car Park. Just take your badge and car park ticket to the parking attendant office at the entrance to the car park for validation before you leave.
A drop-off point at the Royal Festival Hall (30 metres) has been created for visitors who are unable to walk from alternative car parks.
Our Access Scheme
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