Enjoy a Classical concert this Christmas courtesy of Conductor, Finnegan Downie Dear (Cribb’s 2008)

Finnegan Downie Dear (Cribb's 2008), 2020 Mahler Conducting Competition winner, recently conducted the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. The concert included the premiere of Creatures of Dust and Dreams, the first of Sarah Lianne Lewis’s works to be performed by the orchestra since she was named as their composer affiliate a year ago. The 10-minute piece exploring the inate frailty of the individual against their potential strength in community, was created before the Pandemic but its aptness is clearly not lost on our current situation.

The concert also included John Woolrich’s 1992 Viola Concerto, which was described by The Guardian as ‘mesmerising and…profoundly moving’ and was followed by the light relief of Ravel’s fairytale ballet music from Ma Mère l’Oye (Mother Goose).

Perfect accompaniment for wrapping the presents this festive season!

The concert is Available on BBC Sounds until 7 January

Photo: Courtesy of The Guardian. Read the full review here.