In the mid-1960s, Olivier Messiaen composed *Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum* to be performed against the backdrop of the magnificent stained-glass windows of the Sainte-Chapelle (Paris), in memory of the victims of the two world wars. The work comprises five movements inspired by biblical passages on the resurrection of the dead and by references as diverse as the classical Indian musical tradition and Gregorian chant. This gives rise to soundscapes that extend impassively throughout the acoustic space, at times in a heart-rending manner. On the feast day when Christians celebrate the Passion and Resurrection of Christ, the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra transforms itself into an ensemble of forty wind and percussion players to perform this work once more, having premiered it in Portugal in 2008. A selection of chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach, written for Holy Week, will also be performed.
Concerto de Páscoa
Orquestra Metropolitana de Lisboa *
J. S. Bach Chorales for Holy Week
O. Messiaen Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum
Pedro Neves conductor
* Special guest appearance by students from ANSO
