Page 695 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

two decades before “Liverpool Oratorio” premiered, The Beatles remained
one of the best-selling groups in the world.

And then, as quickly as it crashed into the orchestral landscape, “Liverpool
Oratorio” seemed to disappear. Oh, there were occasional performances.
But there was no groundswell of support to make it part of the standard
orchestral repertoire.

Every so often, there were rumors that the work might be developed into a
stage piece. But it was never intended as that. An oratorio is a large concert
piece for orchestra and singers. Think Handel’s “Messiah.” Or Haydn’s “The
Creation,” which was performed recently as part of the May Festival.

Tenor Andrew Owens performs the leading role of Shanty in Cincinnati Opera’s
production of “Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio,” premiering July 18 at Music
Hall.
LUKAS BECK/PROVIDED BY CINCINNATI OPERA

But “Liverpool Oratorio” was far more theatrical than most oratorios. It had
a narrative. It wasn’t hard to imagine the tale of a young man navigating the
complications of life being developed into a stage production.

But it never happened.

“I have no idea why,” says Andrew Owens, who sings the role of Shanty –
McCartney’s alter ego – in the Cincinnati Opera production. “Probably