Angels Unawares

About

This event marks the UK premiere of Angels Unawares, a major new oratorio by composer Sir James MacMillan. The work is a collaboration with the late poet and cleric Robert Willis, former Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, who wrote the libretto shortly before his death in autumn 2024. The oratorio has a duration of approximately one hour and was commissioned by the Genesis Foundation specifically for conductor Harry Christophers and the choir The Sixteen. The performance is a collaboration between The Sixteen and the Britten Sinfonia, both ensembles known for being tireless champions of MacMillan’s work. The title is derived from the biblical passage, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”.