Hymn to the Earth

The title work, Hymn to the Earth, is a rare choral short by Sibelius that contrasts beautifully with Holst's and Boulanger's exotic takes on prayer. Dulwich Symphony Orchestra is then in the spotlight for Sibelius' youthful tone poem, En Saga, before joining the chorus again for Vaughan Williams' grand Whitman setting, Toward the Unknown Region. Bookending the evening are two late romantic choral rarities by Ravel and Fauré, the latter being written at much the same time as his Requiem and similarly rich and serene. Maurice Ravel - L’Aurore (The dawn) Jean Sibelius - En Saga (A Fairy Tale) Ralph Vaughan Williams - Toward the Unknown Region Gustav Holst - Battle Hymn (Rig Veda, Set 1) Lili Boulanger - Vielle prière bouddhique (Old Buddhist prayer) Jean Sibelius - Maan virsi (Hymn to the Earth) Gabriel Fauré - La Naissance de Vénus (The birth of Venus)