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The Creation

London, Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall

Wednesday 20 May 2026, 00:00

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Music

JOSEPH HAYDN
Die Schöpfung (The Creation)
Guest Artists

Robin Johannsen soprano
Nick Pritchard tenor
Krešimir Stražanac bass-baritone
Choir of the Age of Enlightenment
Václav Luks conductor

Price

£17 – £69 (Premium £90)*

A cosmic journey from the dark depths of the Universe to gorgeous dawn in the Garden of Eden. Václav Luks directs Haydn's masterpiece inspired by the great oratorios of Handel.

During his visits to London between 1791 and 1795, Haydn found himself greatly inspired by the numerous performances of Handel’s works he attended. He was particularly moved by the grandeur of Messiah and Israel in Egypt which sparked his desire to create an oratorio of his own. Before Haydn returned to Vienna, violinist Johann Peter Salomon presented him with an anonymous English libretto which had supposedly been intended for Handel half a century earlier. The text – which draws from the Book of Genesis, John Milton’s epic Poem Paradise Lost (1667), and the Book of Psalms – resonated deeply with Haydn’s devout Catholic faith.

Never was I as devout as when composing 'The Creation.' I knelt down every day and prayed to God to strengthen me for my work. When I felt my inspiration flagging, I rose from the piano and began to say my rosary. I never found that method to fail.

Joseph Haydn

For Haydn, The Creation represented the pinnacle of his career. Much like Bach’s Mass in B Minor, it is a monumental work that simultaneously articulates his profound faith in God and his peerless craftsmanship. From the startling moment in which light is created, through playful word painting, to the romantic glow as the soloists transform from Archangels to the first humans, in The Creation we see Haydn finessing the full range of his artistry and ingenuity.

We welcome back Václav Luks following his critically acclaimed debut with us in Bach’s Mass in B Minor in 2023 along with the outstanding tenor, and former Rising Star of the Enlightenment, Nick Pritchard. They are joined by soprano Robin Johannsen (“superbly agile and fresh sounding” Opera News) and the versatile bass-baritone Krešimir Stražanac.

Part of Fantastic Symphonies: Southbank Centre Season 2025-26

*Our ticket price includes a £2 restoration levy from the Southbank Centre. This goes towards maintenance and improvements works on the Southbank Centre’s historic buildings, in particular Royal Festival Hall, and is not subject to any discounts.

The OAE’s 40^th anniversary seasons in 2025/26 and 2026/27 are made possible with the support of The Forty Circle.

Download the programme

The Creation programme

PDF, 29.56mb

Violinist Julia Kuhn and bass player Cecelia Bryggemyer playing in the playground at Acland burghley School

Japanese conductor Masaaki Suzuki conducts the OAE with singer Florian Stortz

OAE musicians run a workshop in a school classroom

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The Creation

London, Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall

Wednesday 20 May 2026, 00:00

Event detail

A cosmic journey from the dark depths of the Universe to gorgeous dawn in the Garden of Eden. Václav Luks directs Haydn's masterpiece inspired by the great oratorios of Handel.

Never was I as devout as when composing 'The Creation.' I knelt down every day and prayed to God to strengthen me for my work. When I felt my inspiration flagging, I rose from the piano and began to say my rosary. I never found that method to fail.

Guest Artists

Download the programme

The Creation programme

Did you know you can support the OAE?

Hear it first

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