Despite the gargantuan forces it requires – a huge orchestra and chorus, plus no less than six solo singers – Elgar’s deeply felt oratorio tells a profoundly human story, recounting Christ’s teaching, crucifixion and resurrection through the eyes of his Disciples. One of the composer’s most spiritual works, it is vivid, shocking, consoling and compelling.

English National Opera’s music director for eight years, Edward Gardner has remarkable insights into vocal music and drama. Following his powerful account of Sibelius’s massive Kullervo at the 2015 International Festival, he returns to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and brings together a starry cast of soloists, as well as the combined choral forces of the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, NYCoS National Girls Choir of Scotland and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Royal Conservatoire Voices, for Elgar’s often overwhelming oratorio.

Praise for Edward Gardner:

Long established as one of the finest conductors of choral music.

The Guardian