Astral Canticle is a double concerto for violin, flute, and orchestra by the American composer Augusta Read Thomas.
The work was Thomas's sixth and final commission by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra before she concluded her nine-year tenure there as composer-in-residence.
Thomas described elements of the work in the score program notes, writing, "The title is derived from Astral — connected with the stars; and Canticle — denoting a song or chant."
Reviewing the world premiere, John von Rhein of the Chicago Tribune called the strength of the piece "undeniable in this first performance."
The supercharged finale ("Igor Stravinsky crossed with Charles Mingus," Thomas calls it) brings eruptive walls of sound as only the Chicago brass can produce.Rhein added, "There's no doubt Astral Canticle will make its way through the orchestral world.