Belshazzar’s Feast

Britten Four Sea Interludes
Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending
Walton Belshazzar’s Feast

Fifty years ago a new choir was launched with a performance of Walton’s epic cantata Belshazzar’s Feast. That choir was Brighton Festival Chorus, now established as one of the finest symphony choruses in the UK and an integral part of the Festival.

Just as in its 1968 debut, the Chorus is joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for this closing festival concert. Two additional brass bands will be joining the full orchestra and chorus, bringing the total number of musicians to a spectacular 250.

Walton’s dazzling choral and orchestral writing tells the story of Belshazzar’s Feast, a tale full of pagan revels, revenge and finally triumphant jubilation. Conducted by Sir Richard Armstrong (and with the leading British baritone James Rutherford as soloist), this is a landmark performance for the Chorus - and an unforgettable festival finale.