Uniting some of Handel’s greatest music with all-star casts, directed by Artistic Director Harry Bicket and with our virtuosic orchestra in full flight, it is an unmissable event. With Ariodante and Rinaldo in most recent seasons, now comes the turn of Semele; a tale of adultery and revenge amongst Gods.The English ConcertHarry Bicket director/harpsichordBrenda Rae SemeleElizabeth...

All three are based on the favourite chorale of the time, Veni redemptor gentium (as translated by Luther). Despite the chorale’s medieval origins, BWV 61 shows the influence of the avant-garde French Ouverture. In BWV 62 he turns to Vivaldian concerti for inspiration, while in BWV 36 the ancient tune is knitted into the very genetic heart of the music. In each case the results are joyous in their...

His skilful crafting of the Messa per il Santíssimo Natale, with double choirs and such variety of colour and texture, is enough to leave us searching the archives for even more treasures.The English ConcertChoir of The English ConcertLaurence Cummings director/organCecilia Osmond sopranoRebecca Outram sopranoHelen Charlston altoNick Pritchard tenorMarcus Farnsworth baritoneScarlatti Messa per il...

Muffat moves his own chess pieces in his quest to unite the styles of France, Italy and Germany, while Bach offers one of his timeless masterpieces. Christian Curnyn returns to direct the orchestra with much-loved repertoire.The English ConcertChristian Curnyn director/harpsichordNadja Zwiener violinTuomo Suni violinHandel Concerto Grosso in D Op.6, No.5 HWV 323Purcell Suite from Dioclesian Z627Bach...

We love music of the baroque and classical periods, and we believe that through our performances on original instruments, with styles of playing and singing appropriate to a composer or period, we can get to the essential core of the music. With our international group of close-knit musicians, many of whom are soloists in their own right, anything is possible.

Kristian Bezuidenhout is one of today’s most notable and exciting keyboard artists, equally at home on the fortepiano, harpsichord, and modern piano. Born in South Africa in 1979, his studies have taken him around the world to Australia and North America, before settling in London. Gaining international recognition at the age of 21, winning first prize in the prestigious Bruges Fortepiano competition,...

While The English Concert has delighted audiences around the world for over 40 years, with no public funding, the survival of the orchestra is dependent upon the generous donations of its supporters. We would invite all those that follow the orchestra to join our dedicated family of donors who maintain the orchestra through a variety of established and tailored levels of support.

The English Concert have thrilled audiences across the world ever since our foundation in 1973. In four and a half decades we have been proud to field an ever-evolving, but close-knit, ensemble formed of the best international talent. On the eve of our 45th Anniversary Season which begins at Queen Elizabeth Hall on 11th October under principal guest director Kristian Bezuidenhout, we are delighted...