Max Richter releases ‘While The Flood Rages’ and ‘Now We Can Sing’
Max Richter is gearing up for a meditative journey with his new album, While The Flood Rages, set to arrive on October 16 via Decca Records. The release is anchored by the evocative new single, Now We Can Sing, offering listeners a deep dive into themes of resilience and reconstruction.
This latest body of work is a profound co-commission between the National Ballet of Canada and the Royal Opera House, drawing its inspiration from Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy. The music explores the complex human experience of rebuilding itself following a devastating pandemic, weaving a narrative of endurance through sound. The album is structured across three acts and features fifteen tracks, with Now We Can Sing serving as the poignant closing note.
Richter brings this vision to life through collaboration with choreographer Wayne McGregor, marking their third creative partnership. He approaches the material not merely as a soundtrack, but as a standalone piece of work, taking the source material apart and creating a trajectory that makes sense entirely through listening. As the composer noted, it is a different way to reach the same destination.
The creation of While The Flood Rages began long before the pandemic, though the global shift undoubtedly influenced the creative trajectory. The album functions as an invitation to a different kind of listening, fostering a deeper connection between the artist and the audience.
Richter’s acclaimed career is further underscored by his work in film, notably scoring the moving film Hamnet from director Chloé Zhao. This score garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score, beautifully capturing the relationship between William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes following the death of their son Hamnet.
Beyond his musical achievements, Richter’s contributions to British culture have been recognized with high honors. In recognition of his outstanding advocacy and contribution to the wider community, he was awarded a CBE in the 2026 New Years Honours list.
This year, the composer also celebrated his status as a music icon, being recognized alongside other figures like PinkPantheress and Spice Girls for National Album Day. Richter expressed deep gratitude for this recognition, emphasizing that the opportunity to pursue his lifelong artistic dreams remains an immense privilege.
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