Fauré's Requiem & Pierrepoint: In the Balance – World Premiere

Join the National Symphony Orchestra for a compelling evening of music featuring Gabriel Fauré's timeless and much-loved Requiem, alongside the world premiere of a powerful new work by composer Paul Honey.

Gabriel Fauré – Requiem

One of the most beautiful and moving works in the choral repertoire, Fauré's Requiem offers a message of peace, consolation and hope. Its luminous orchestration and serene melodies have made it one of the most enduringly popular works of its kind.

Paul Honey – Pierrepoint: In the Balance (World Premiere)

With a libretto by Gregory Warren Wilson, this dramatic new oratorio takes us into the tense night of 1955 before the execution of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain.

The work explores the psychological and moral burden carried by Albert Pierrepoint, Britain's last hangman, as he prepares to carry out his duty. 2026 marks the centenary of Ruth Ellis's birth, and last July King Charles III granted her a conditional pardon, formally acknowledging the profound injustice of her execution.

Together, these two contrasting works offer a powerful exploration of mortality, justice and the human condition.

Special pre-concert discussion – 6.30–7.15pm

David Olusoga chairs a special discussion

Join acclaimed historian and broadcaster David Olusoga for a fascinating discussion exploring the story behind Pierrepoint: In the Balance and the wider questions of justice and the death penalty.

Joining him will be Laura Enston (Ruth Ellis's granddaughter and campaigner), Kerry Moscogiuri (CEO of Amnesty International UK), composer Paul Honey and librettist Gregory Warren Wilson.

Your concert ticket includes admission to the discussion.

Seating information: Due to the size of the orchestra, rows CC-FF of the standard layout will not be in place, allowing more space for the performers. Rows AA and BB are at the front on the flat floor, followed by tiered seating in row GG and rows A-F.