Covent Garden Chamber Orchestra and Eclectic Voices present Symphony of Psalms

This fabulous collection of neo-classical pieces written in Paris features two of the most uplifting, entertaining and yet devotional works for voices and orchestra of the 20th century. There is no other piece quite like Igor Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms - the integration of voices and orchestra is magical, the melodies memorable, the harmonies lovely, and the explosion of colours exciting. By 1930 Stravinsky had evolved his personal brand of neoclassicism, which Francis Poulenc also practised in his own unique way. He created the powerful Gloria in 1959. This piece is like a grandchild of the Symphony of Psalms, with its witty exterior, earnest heart, and unabashed exuberance. The Gloria features a solo soprano, to be sung on this occasion by Nicole Tibbels, for whom this is a favourite work to perform. There's no holding back; Eclectic Voices will be singing at full power to balance with the colours the composers have created for the orchestra.

Eclectic Voices found soul mates last year in the Covent Garden Chamber Orchestra, who will be featured in two succinct masterpieces for orchestra alone. Maurice Ravel's Mother Goose Suite began life as a group of little piano pieces for his children in 1910; in its 1911 version for orchestra it is a masterclass in orchestration from the undisputed king of that art. Stravinsky's sparkling Pulcinella Suite, drawn from his 1920 ballet, was the composer's first foray into neoclassicism. Never predictable, he transformed rather staid melodies from Baroque composer Pergolesi into a totally original suite of characterful little pieces, full of wit and twists and turns.

This programme is sure to lift the roof at St Pancras!