With the end of 2024 fast approaching, we are pleased to be announcing a busy Spring 2025 Season.  Alfonso Leal del Ojo, Chief Executive of The English Concert, says:

“We’re thrilled to present a 2025 Spring season that bridges centuries of musical heritage with contemporary relevance. From Trevor Pinnock’s return with Lucy Crowe to our international tour of Handel’s ‘Giulio Cesare,’ we’re bringing together world-class artists and timeless masterpieces. Whether experiencing Bach’s profound Mass in B minor in historic venues, celebrating the 300th anniversary of ‘Rodelinda’ at Garsington Opera, or exploring the dramatic power of Handel’s ‘Esther’ during Purim, audiences will find themselves immersed in extraordinary musical storytelling, brought to life with both authenticity and fresh perspective.”

Wigmore Hall – Lucy Crowe & Trevor Pinnock: 30 January 

Founder of The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, will be joined by soprano Lucy Crowe for a programme celebrating the popularity of Italian baroque influences in Britain, looking in particular at Handel’s Silete Venti which shares musical material with the oratorio Esther, performed by the orchestra in March. The programme will also feature the composer’s Salve Regina, in addition to the orchestral works Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in C minor, op. 6, Handel’s Concerto Grosso in D Major Op. 6 and Oboe Concerto in G minor with newly appointed principal oboist Clara Espinos Encinas.

St Martin-in-the-Fields & Bath Abbey – Kristian Bezuidenhout: 20 & 22 February 

The English Concert return to St Martin-in-the-Fields (20 February) and Bath Abbey (22 February for performances of the Bach’s Mass in B minor.  The performance features sopranos Isabel Schicketanz and Joanna Songi, mezzo-soprano Lucile Richardot, tenor Samuel Boden and bass Florian Störz. Following Bach’s practice. The forces the ensemble will use reflect those that Bach himself used in his lifetime, crucially with the soloists singing in the choruses as was commonplace in 18th Century Leipzig.

Esther in London and Madrid: March 2025

John Butt directs Handel’s first oratorio in English, Esther. This concert performance will feature the Cannons version, composed during Handel’s time as the Duke of Chandos’s house composer. Esther tells a compelling narrative of power, grief, exile, and love, presenting scenes rich with dramatic narrative and emotional depth. Soprano Hilary Cronin takes on the title role, with tenor Xavier Hetherington as Assuerus, Hugo Hymas as Mordecai, countertenor Hugh Cutting as the priest, and bass Matthew Brook as Haman. The performances take place Madrid and London and coincide with the Jewish festival of Purim, which celebrates the story of Esther.

Set in ancient Persia, Esther recounts the story of the Jewish queen Esther, who bravely intervenes to save her people from Haman. The oratorio explores themes of courage and sacrifice, divine justice, and the resilience of the human spirit. Handel’s music vividly brings to life the emotional and political tensions of the story, and features the well-known aria Tune your harps with cheerful noise.

Bach’s St John Passion: 18 & 19 April

Throughout Holy Week, The English Concert will give a performance of Bach’s St John Passion at Wigmore Hall (18 April) and Turner Sims Concert Hall, Southampton (19 April), led by Francesco Corti.

Bach’s St John Passion, first performed in 1724, is a profound musical depiction of the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of John. This sacred oratorio is known for its dramatic intensity, intricate choral writing, and deeply moving arias. The work explores themes of suffering, redemption, and divine love, offering a powerful reflection on the events of Good Friday. Performed in the majestic setting of Westminster Abbey and the intimate ambiance of Wigmore Hall and Turner Sims Concert Hall, these concerts promise to be a spiritually enriching experience, capturing the essence of Bach’s masterful storytelling through music.

Handel’s Giulio Cesare – USA & Europe Tour: 27 April – 11 May 

Handel’s Giulio Cesare is the highlight of The English Concert’s 24/25 season, with the orchestra marking its annual opera tour with concerts in UC Berkley, California (27 April), Opera Omaha, Nebraska (1 May), Carnegie Hall, New York (4 May) and Barbican, London (11 May) under the direction of Harry Bicket. Soprano Louise Alder takes the role of Cleopatra, with countertenor Christophe Dumaux as Cesare, in addition to mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy as Sesto, mezzo soprano Beth Taylor as Cornelia and countertenors John Holiday as Tolomeo and Meili Li as Nireno.

This celebrated opera, first performed in 1724, is renowned for its exquisite arias and rich characterizations. Giulio Cesare transports audiences to ancient Egypt, highlighting themes of power and politics, love and seduction, and betrayal and loyalty. It tells the captivating story of Julius Caesar’s arrival in Egypt after his victory over Pompey, his romantic and political alliance with Cleopatra, and their struggle against her treacherous brother, Tolomeo.

Garsington Opera Rodelinda & Fidelio

The English Concert returns to Garsington Opera for two productions this summer: Handel’s Rodelinda and Beethoven’s Fidelio, both of which celebrate anniversaries of first performances in 2025.

300 years since its debut at the King’s Theatre in 1725, Rodelinda remains one of Handel’s most-beloved operas, featuring soprano Lucy Crowe in the title role. Music of hatred and despair, thwarted love and resentment, and fierce desire for revenge shape this extraordinary narrative, conducted in this production by Olivier Award-winner Peter Whelan. Director Ruth Knight collaborates with designer Leslie Travers for this Handel masterpiece (13 June – 19 July 2025).

Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio, will mark 220 years since its first performance in 1805. A blazing musical protest against oppression, Fidelio signals Beethoven’s implicit belief that humanity will triumph over injustice and tyranny. John Cox’s iconic production of this opera returns with Jamie Manton as revival director alongside Gary McCann’s striking design. Gérard Korsten makes his Garsington debut conducting The English Concert. (27 June – 22 July 2025)

Handel for All 

Handel for All, The English Concert’s bold and ambitious project to film every single piece of Handel’s music to create an accessible and free online resource, will add Brockes Passion to the online library this coming Spring.  Filmed earlier this year at St George’s Hanover Square as part of the London Handel Festival, this performance is directed by Harry Bicket, and features sopranos Hilary Cronin,

and Nardus Williams, contralto Jess Dandy and bass-baritone Ashley Riches. 

Handel for All will also see a series of Italian Cantatas featuring the countertenor Iestyn Davies. Since its founding in February 2023, The English Concert has recorded and uploaded a number of large-scale works, including Saul, Samson and Armida Abbandonata.

For more information about the 2025 Spring Season, please contact hello@englishconcert.co.uk

Press enquiries should be directed to:

Rebecca Driver Media Relations

Grace Filmer, Press Officer

Email: grace@rdmr.co.uk