New Video: Genesis Symphonic Poem Premieres in Portugal

On July 21, the Genesis symphonic poem by composer Baruch Berliner and producer Nachum Slutzker was performed at the Madeira Congress Center in Portugal.

Genesis is a seven-movement cosmogony narrated through a unique and innovative synthesis of spoken word, music, and video art. Based on the biblical story of creation, the composition’s leitmotif and central philosophical idea is that each person is ultimately faced with the choice between good and evil.

The poem was performed by narrator Pedro Araujo Santos and Orquestra Classica da Madeira led by Luis Andrade.

Originally from Madeira, Mr. Santos is an actor, director, author, and educator. He is a member of the National Youth Theatre, a renowned British theater company. He also teaches drama at Madeira’s conservatory—Escola Profissional das Artes—and works worldwide as a playwright, director, and actor.

With a history spanning nearly sixty years, Orquestra Clássica da Madeira is one of Portugal’s oldest orchestras. Partnering with illustrious guest soloists, the ensemble performs internationally and records for distinguished labels such as EMI Classics.

Conductor and cellist Luís Andrade is one of the nation’s most prominent musicians and a regular guest at major European music venues. Orquestra Clássica da Madeira (Portugal), the Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, the Limburg Symphony Orchestra (Netherlands), and the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (Thailand) frequently perform under his baton.