The English Concert
The English Concert is an outstanding orchestra: exceptional, in the world-renowned quality, ambition and variety of its live and recorded output; unique, in the zeal of its players for working and performing together; unwavering, in its desire to connect with its audience throughout the world. Founded by Trevor Pinnock in 1972 and under the present artistic direction of Harry Bicket and principal guest Kristian Bezuidenhout, The English Concert has earned a reputation for combining urgency, passion and fire with precision, delicacy and beauty.
Trevor Pinnock directed the ensemble for over three decades, shaping the orchestra’s distinctive sound and championing the performance of Baroque and Classical music on period instruments. The orchestra’s outstanding recording output under his leadership, which includes critically acclaimed interpretations of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi, garnered international recognition and helped to establish The English Concert as a leading force in the early music revival. This rich musical legacy continues to inspire and inform the orchestra’s work today.œ
The orchestra’s regular collaborations with key artistic partners reflect and enhance the pursuit of new ways to bring music to life. Joyce DiDonato, Dame Sarah Connolly, Iestyn Davies, Alison Balsom, and many more have not only brought their extraordinary skills to individual projects but continue to help The English Concert to shape the way the ensemble performs.
‘each instrumentalist played as though personally responsible for the entire show, wringing out every ounce of drama: at one point during Act II, the cellos unleashed such a torrent of fury that they threatened to upstage the cast.’
Financial Times
‘The English Concert were nothing short of brilliant. Sporting perfectly tight ensemble, spacious and ringing tone, a variety of colors, gleaming strings and clean, forceful brass, they are the model of a period chamber orchestra in every sense.’
New York Classical Review
A cornerstone of the orchestra’s annual cycle is its international Handel Opera tour. Blossoming from an ongoing relationship with Carnegie Hall established by Harry Bicket, the orchestra now regularly present operas and oratorios at the Theater an der Wien, Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, the Elbphilharmonie, and Barbican Hall, with the roster of great venues continuing to grow, particularly in East Asia and the USA. Meanwhile, a regular London series allows the ensemble to explore a different path, presenting programmes that challenge and inspire audiences closer to home.
In 2023, The English Concert launched its ambitious Handel for All project, which aims to film and make freely available all of Handel’s works online.
