A Bao A Qu from Anthology of Fantastic Zoology by Mason Bates: An exciting introduction

Lemn Sissay explores two movements from Mason Bates' Anthology of Fantastic Zoology using facts and insight, animation and footage from the heart of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Rafael Payare.

American DJ and composer Mason Bates premiered his compelling 30-minute orchestral symphony Anthology of Fantastic Beats in 2015. Each of the eleven movements conjures up a mythical creature from Jorge Luis Borges' Book of Imaginary Beings, including the tower-dwelling beast, A Bao A Qu.

Once you've seen the introduction film, watch the full orchestral performances of the music in the link below.