CANTO GENERAL - Oratorio by Mikis Theodorakis after Pablo Neruda

The Philharmonia Chor Reutlingen brings "Canto General", one of Mikis Theodorakis's most important works, to the stage of Sudhaus in Tübingen. This monumental oratorio was composed between 1972 and 1982 during the composer's Parisian exile, and is based on the poetry cycle of the same name by Chilean poet and diplomat Pablo Neruda.

"Canto General" - meaning "The Great Song" - traces the history of Latin America: its oppression, resistance, and struggle against colonialism. Neruda's texts combine political urgency with vivid poetic imagery, and Theodorakis translated them into a striking musical language. Rather than imitating South American folk music, the composer drew on the rhythmic and melodic power of his own Greek musical tradition. The work is defined by sweeping choral passages, lyrical solo moments, and the distinctive sound of the bouzouki within the ensemble.

The performance brings together choir, solo voice, and a versatile instrumental ensemble for an intense concert evening at the intersection of political oratorio, poetic soundscape, and musical passion.

www.philharmonia-chor-reutlingen.de