The Creation

A cosmic journey from the dark depths of the Universe to gorgeous dawn in the Garden of Eden. Václav Luks directs Haydn's masterpiece inspired by the great oratorios of Handel.

During his visits to London between 1791 and 1795, Haydn found himself greatly inspired by the numerous performances of Handel’s works he attended. He was particularly moved by the grandeur of Messiah and Israel in Egypt which sparked his desire to create an oratorio of his own. Before Haydn returned to Vienna, violinist Johann Peter Salomon presented him with an anonymous English libretto which had supposedly been intended for Handel half a century earlier. The text – which draws from the Book of Genesis, John Milton’s epic Poem Paradise Lost (1667), and the Book of Psalms – resonated deeply with Haydn’s devout Catholic faith.

Price: £17 – £69 (Premium £90)

Priority booking only. General booking on 31 October, 10.00am