Henry Purcell’s King Arthur (1691), setting text by John Dryden, is a grand spectacle which pits the Britons against the invading Saxons. This rarely-performed 'Dramatick Opera' follows Arthur’s quest to save his blind fiancée, Princess Emmeline, from his rival, King Oswald.
We'll inhabit a fantastical world of magicians, mythical beings, soldiers, shepherds and peasants, bringing this powerful story of love and battle to life through similarly vivid music.
We will present a concert performance with five guest soloists and the Asyla Ensemble on period instruments, featuring some of Purcell's most colourful songs and choruses e.g. "Come if you dare, our trumpets sound", "What power thou art" (The Cold Song) and the sublime hymn to love and honour "Fairest Isle".
