Events
“Close your eyes and it's close to time travel.” The Independent on Sunday
Past Events
King Arthur, Melbourne Recital Centre
Melbourne Recital Centre
16 February 2019, 7.30pm
Anna Dennis and Mhairi Lawson sopranos
Hugo Hymas and James Gilchristtenors
Marcus Farnsworth and Ashley Riches baritone/bass
Purcell King Arthur
Long renowned for our performances of the music of Henry Purcell, Gabrieli present King Arthur, the composer’s great 17th century patriotic opera, in a new performing edition by Christopher Suckling. Depicting the battles between King Arthur’s Britons and the Saxon invaders, this 1691 setting of John Dryden’s poetry is full of dynamic dance rhythms and lyrical song, including the justly famous Fairest Isle, as well as the ‘frost scene’. Conductor Paul McCreesh leads a virtuosic consort cast in one of Purcell’s most vivid and imaginative scores.