Bruch’s oratorio Odysseus is full of richly melodic and dramatic music. Written in 1872 and inspired by the composer’s veneration for Homer’s epic, it consists of a series of contrasting scenes taken from the Odyssey, including ‘Odysseus on Calypso’s Island’, ‘Odysseus in the Underworld’, ‘The Tempest at Sea’, ‘Penelope’s Lament’, ‘Nausicaa’, ‘The Banquet with the Phaeacians’ and ‘The Return’. The chorus is given a major part, playing many different roles in the story. ‘Of all joys, home is the loveliest in the world’ sings Odysseus in the opening scene, and love of the homeland permeates the work. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this deeply romantic piece.