The Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, led by Gustavo Dudamel, sounded harsh and percussive in Mr. Adams's aggressive score.

WSJ: Rendered Unto Caesar, Perfectly | 'Giulio Caesare' | Handel | Metropolitan Opera | By Heidi Waleson

"I wish you success, " he told the French as a Malian brass band, their instruments poorly tuned, worked their way through a marching chorale.

WSJ: Mali Advance Shows Paris's Africa Dilemma

The Los Angeles Master Chorale, directed by Grant Gershon, sings with power and precision, and the orchestra under Dudamel plays the difficult score with wonderful spirit and grace.

WSJ: John Adams' staged 'Gospel' has NY premiere

The personal accounts and speeches will be interspersed with musical interludes, with the Jewish Chorale of France (under the direction of Hector Sabo), the French Army Choir and the participation of Cantor Rabbi Raphael Cohen.

UNESCO: CULTURE