Max Richter Announces New Album 'While The Flood Rages' With Meditative Single 'Now We Can Sing'
British-German composer Max Richter has announced his new album 'While The Flood Rages', set for release on October 16 via Decca Records, alongside the meditative closing track 'Now We Can Sing'. The album, inspired by Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy, is a co-commission with choreographer Wayne McGregor for the National Ballet of Canada and the Royal Opera House.
British-German composer Max Richter has announced his new album, 'While The Flood Rages', which is scheduled for release on October 16 via Decca Records. The announcement comes with the release of the meditative single 'Now We Can Sing', which serves as the closing track of the record.
The album is a co-commission between the National Ballet of Canada and the Royal Opera House, marking Richter's third collaboration with choreographer Wayne McGregor. It is inspired by Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy, a series of novels that explores how humanity rebuilds itself after a deadly pandemic. The work consists of 15 tracks spread across three acts.
Richter began work on the album before the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed its development for several years. Despite its origins as a ballet score, the composer intends for the record to function as a standalone piece of work rather than a traditional soundtrack. «I took the material apart and created a trajectory that makes sense just through listening,» Richter said of the album. «It's a different way to reach the same destination.»
The announcement adds to a significant period of recognition for Richter. He was awarded a CBE in the 2026 New Year Honours list for his outstanding contribution to British culture, advocacy, and the wider community. The composer said he was «deeply grateful» for the honour, adding: «The opportunity to spend my life doing what I dreamed of doing when I was a child continues to be an immense privilege, and one I never take for granted.»
Richter was also celebrated as a music icon for National Album Day this year, alongside artists such as PinkPantheress and Melanie C of the Spice Girls. Speaking about the award, he emphasised the value of the album format: «Albums allow ideas the time and space to unfold. They invite a different kind of listening, one that allows for a deeper connection between artist and listener. That relationship is something I've always valued and why I'm glad to support National Album Day as an Album Champion.»
Beyond his work as a recording artist, Richter has scored around 50 films. His recent work includes the score for 'Hamnet', directed by Chloé Zhao, which earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score. The film follows the relationship between William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes after the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet.
'While The Flood Rages' is now available for pre-order ahead of its October release. The single 'Now We Can Sing' is available to stream now.
