What was behind the creation of British composer Michael Tippett’s oratorio A Child of Our Time? Doing prison time as a conscientious objector, the ideas of Carl Jung, African-American spirituals, a Polish gunman shooting a German diplomat at a Paris embassy, a friendship with T.S. Eliot, Kristallnacht and the structure of Handel’s Messiah all contributed to the inspiration.
In the oratorio itself, Tippett applies those ideas and experiences to universal and timeless themes that resonate both musically and philosophically.
Keith Lockhart (pictured), music director of the Utah Symphony from 1998 to 2009, returns to conduct as director “emeritus”—which seems to be code for, “I’ll come back to Salt Lake City periodically when I have a free weekend between all my other gigs.” The performance will feature vocal soloists Indra Thomas, Marietta Simpson, Russell Thomas and Derrick Parker, along with the Utah Symphony Chorus.
Utah Symphony: A Child of Our Time @ Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, 801-355-2787, April 22-23, 8 p.m., $15-$85. UtahSymphony.org
