Francesca Chiejina soprano Veena Akama-Makia mezzo-soprano Ronald Samm tenor Blaise Malaba bass Chris Stark conductor Blackheath Halls Chorus and Orchestra perform Michael Tippett’s A Child of Our Time , joined by four world-class soloists. Composed in response to the events leading to World War II, this oratorio explores themes of oppression and humanity. Tippett drew on the structure of Bach’s Passions, incorporating African American spirituals including “Steal Away” and “Deep River” in place of traditional chorales. The spirituals that punctuate the oratorio provide moments of profound reflection, while the chorus and orchestra navigate Tippett’s complex musical language with its distinctive harmonic colours and rhythmic energy. The work builds from darkness to a powerful conclusion centred on hope and reconciliation. A Child of Our Time remains one of the most significant British choral works of the 20th century, addressing timeless questions about humanity and compassion.