Paul McCartney's Liverpool Oratorio

Commissioned to mark the 150th anniversary of the Liverpool Philharmonic Society, Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio premiered in 1991 as a groundbreaking fusion of classical tradition and contemporary themes.

Collaborating with renowned film composer Carl Davis, McCartney crafted a major classical work that is strikingly different in subject matter from the typical sacred oratorio, blending treasured classical tradition with commonly relatable experience.

The piece traces poignant moments from Paul McCartney’s early life in Liverpool—his birth in the city during wartime, his schooldays at the Liverpool Institute, his youthful aspirations and meeting his future wife, Linda. Through this deeply personal narrative, the oratorio explores the hopes, challenges, and joys of the modern world, captured by its guiding motto: Non nobis solum sed toti mundo nati — “Not for ourselves alone but for the whole world were we born.”

The New York Times noted that the piece was richly melodic and lavishly orchestrated, drawing influences from early 20th-century French music and English oratorio, with echoes of classical, late Romantic, and theatrical music styles. The Liverpool Oratorio is a significant and successful masterwork that showcases McCartney’s versatility as a composer and his ability to blend popular and classical music elements. It is our great pleasure to present this massive oratorio by one of the foremost and enduring lyrical composers of our time with special guests, The All-American Boys Chorus of Santa Ana, California, and four outstanding soloists.