Jennifer Higdon blue cathedral
A journey through a celestial cathedral – on life, loss and what unites us.
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Tuesday 3 November 2026 15.00
About the video
- Filmed 10 & 12 September 2026.
- The video is approximately 12 minutes.
Jennifer Higdon is one of the most frequently performed contemporary American composers, known for her melodic and colourful orchestral music. blue cathedral, composed in 1999, was written following the death of her brother, Andrew Blue Higdon. The work became a tribute to him and a musical reflection on the journey of life.
Higdon imagined a journey through a glass cathedral high in the sky, with clouds and the blue of the heavens streaming in through its transparent walls. The music moves between quiet contemplation and growing intensity, with shimmering orchestral textures and intertwining melodic lines.
Of particular significance is the dialogue between flute and clarinet. The flute is Higdon’s own instrument, while her late brother played the clarinet. The flute begins the conversation, but towards the end it falls silent, leaving the clarinet to continue its upward journey alone. A poignant musical image of farewell.
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The music
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Jennifer Higdon blue cathedral
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Participants
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Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
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Ryan Bancroft conductor
