The Brussels-based British composer Nigel Clarke is renowned for his virtuosic style and an uncompromising contemporary musical language that speaks with an authentic voice to today’s audiences. Earthrise refers to one of the most iconic photographs in history – an image of the Earth rising above the Moon taken by the crew of Apollo 8. This symphonic poem captures the excitement and expectation that the Apollo 8 mission brought to the world. Clarke’s symphony for violin and orchestra The Prophecies of Merlin can be heard on Naxos 8.579127.