News

Special all-day event, Saturday 14 February 2009

      
“A series of ravishing musical moments.” – The Independent (on Acis & Galatea at Christ Church Spitalfields, 2007)

"The combination of youthful courage and enthusiasm means it’s wonderful to play." - Theobo player Paula Chateauneuf on Aci, Galatea e Polifemo

Gabrieli and Paul McCreesh return to Wigmore Hall, London, after a sold-out success in April with Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. On Saturday 14 February 2009, the ensemble presents a rare opportunity to hear, side by side, Handel’s two dramatic works inspired by Ovid’s myth of Acis and Galatea – the doomed lovers whose blissful union is destroyed by the grotesque and lustful giant, Polyphemus, who will be played in both concerts by eminent baritone, Christopher Purves.

Join the ensemble and a stellar cast of soloists for Aci, Galatea e Polifemo (3pm), Handel’s thrilling Italian serenata, which contrasts in the evening with Handel’s elegant English setting, Acis & Galatea (7.30pm), a delightful pastoral masque and one of the most popular in the repertoire. Between concerts (6pm), Paul McCreesh and soprano/broadcaster Catherine Bott give an insight into these two stunning works.

Soloists
3pm: Gillian Webster, Barbara Kozelj, Christopher Purves
7.30pm: Mhairi Lawson, James Gilchrist, Christopher Purves, Jeremy Budd, Nicholas Hurndall Smith

Tickets are still available through the Wigmore Hall Box Office 020 7935 2141.
www.wigmore-hall.org.uk

Tickets per concert: £20 £30 £34 £38
Make a day of it and benefit from reduced ticket prices when you book for both concerts at the same time: £30 £45 £50 £55
Talk: £3

Acis and Galatea will also be on tour:
17 January Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, Vienna Konzerthaus
18 January Acis & Galatea, Vienna Konzerthaus
12 Feburary Acis & Galatea, Salle Erasme, Strasbourg
Go to www.gabrieli.com/concerts for more details.