Work of the Week – Dobrinka Tabakova: In paradisum

Music history can be a long game. When Tomás Luis de Victoria composed his Requiem in 1605, he was in such a hurry that he left the work without its final movement. 421 years later, Dobrinka Tabakova has stepped in to provide that missing conclusion. Her In paradisum is a six-minute journey for mixed choir that feels less like a historical fix and more like a bridge between worlds.

Tabakova treats the original Gregorian chant like a wash of watercolour paint. The harmonies are blurred and ethereal, creating a sense of a musical mirage. From this shimmering texture, a serene, otherworldly procession slowly emerges before dissolving back into a luminous echo. It’s a rare kind of music that feels both deeply ancient and incredibly fresh.

In paradisum: A radiant prospect following the Requiem

The world premiere of In paradisum on March 31, 2026, at St Columba's Church in London, features the ORA Singers under Suzi Digby OBE. They are the perfect partners for this, as they specialize in connecting Renaissance masters with modern voices. While written for Victoria, this piece is a standalone gem—a perfect, light-filled ending for any Requiem program.

The coming weeks offer more chances to hear Tabakova's music: On 3 April 2026, the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra will give the Belgian premiere of her work Rewilding (IV from Earth Suite) in Antwerp, followed by Dawn (from Sun Triptych) from 9 to 12 April with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra in Easton (Maryland). In June, the Bochum Symphony Orchestra will present her orchestral work Orpheus’ Comet.

Learn more:

• In paradisum: Work Details

• Dobrinka Tabakova: Composer Profile

• ORA Singers: Event Details London

photos: Benjamin Ealovega (portrait Dobrinka Tabakova), Annie Patt (background)