“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.”

It is with these prophetic words from the Book of Revelation that James MacMillan begins his Alpha and Omega, and that the Flemish Radio Choir opens this new season. A deeply moving work for a capella choir, in which memories, expectations and hoop inspire us with new life: a cri de coeur after a difficult period, full of determination to rise again.

Rising again, even after aching loss, is what the old Celtic legend tells us in The Death of Oscar. MacMillan makes if into a miniature symphonic poem. The old bard tells us about the heroic struggle of his son Oscar, who emerges victorious from the struggle but dies of his wounds, leaving behind grief and memories.