Page 693 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

12 July 2024

'This is the real thing.' The origin story of 'Paul

McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio' opera

David Lyman | Special to Cincinnati Enquirer

Show Caption

“Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio.”

By now, you’ve almost certainly seen something promoting the Cincinnati
Opera production that opens July 18. There have been billboards and TV
ads. Loads of stuff on social media. Posters, too. And mailers. Lots and lots
of them.

But what exactly is the “Liverpool Oratorio”? And what is it doing in the
midst of a Cincinnati Opera season filled with much more traditional
operatic fare – things like “Don Giovanni” and “La Traviata.”

Here’s the deal.

Back in 1990, Paul McCartney – Sir James Paul McCartney since 1997 –
was commissioned to write a piece of music to celebrate the 150th
anniversary of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Composer and singer Paul McCartney is best known for his accomplishments as a
pop musician. But in 1991 the Liverpool Royal Philharmonic Orchestra premiered