Poema 2. Terra Nova – Alexander Shelley

Terra Nova, the second work in the Poema series, explores themes such as the search for meaning and the human experience. Alexander Shelley interprets Richard Strauss’s “Also sprach Zarathustra” as a work that emphasizes the fragile balance between light and darkness, knowledge and mystery—inspired by Nietzsche’s book of the same name. “1Q84: Sinfonietta Metamoderna” by Canadian composer Ian Cusson enters into an exciting dialogue with Strauss’ composition by drawing parallels between the worldviews of the German philosopher and Japanese author Haruki Murakami, creator of the novel “1Q84.” The National Arts Centre Orchestra offers a performance that goes beyond music – and encourages reflection on our humanity.