The COVID-19 pandemic affected us all in different ways. For J.A.C. Redford, it inspired an unshakeable vision: a coherent scene of an orchestra performing a new work. The prolific composer pounced on this inspiration and wrote the title piece for A PLAGUE JOURNAL. The epic, lyrical work mirrors the unseen threats, surrealism, grief, and fervent hope of the pandemic, with emotional music that speaks to the heart as well as the mind. Performing A Plague Journal — along with the introductory Muzika! Festival Overture — is the London Studio Orchestra with conductor Ben Parry, whose legendary musicianship captures Redford’s energy and exuberance with aplomb.