Thomas: 'Helios Choros III'

1st December 2007

Helios Choros III is the third part of a 45-minute orchestral triptych written by Augusta Read Thomas. The works can be played together or separately, or any two can be played together.

The Orchestre de Paris with Christoph Eschenbach will lead the world premiere on 12 December which "starts with its lilting, light-footed and colorful dance," according to the composer. Indeed the entire 15-minute work is driving and relentless but always multi-colored — a massive crescendo which coaleses into a dreamy and spacious passage featuring the concertmaster.

Of Helios Choros I, premiered in May 2007 by the Dallas Symphony and Sir Andrew Davis, the Dallas Morning News said it has "the visceral impact of something created by hand and sung by a live voice."