Christian Reif, conductor

Julia Bullock, soprano
Jasmin White, contralto

Anthony Roth Costanzo, countertenor

Davóne Tines, bass-baritone

In a new arrangement created by conductor Christian Reif, John Adams' massive revisionist opera-oratorio is transformed into an intimate setting for chamber orchestra. Interweaving biblical verse with poetry by Latin American writers, El Niño considers the Nativity story from Mary's perspective and explores in Adams' words, "what is meant by a miracle."

Matthias Pintscher, conductor

Pierre-Laurent Aimard, piano

Inspired by his visits to Utah's Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, Messiaen's Des canyons aux étoiles ("From the Canyons to the Stars") depicts the birdsong and red rock hues he experienced during his time in the desert. Messiaen – who was also synesthetic – heard colors and saw sounds. Accompanied by immersive video-art, Springer Auditorium will be transformed, allowing listeners to escape into the southwestern landscape and experience a synesthesia of their own.

Louis Langrée, conductor

Lutosławski’s interpretation of music for a funeral, and Bryce Dessner's Réponse Lutoslawski, inspired by the Musique funèbre, open this enlightening and introspective program.