Highlights include:
- Performances of Handel’s Solomon in Madrid, London, Berkeley, Los Angeles and New York
- Collaborations with acclaimed musicians and companies, including Handel’s Ariodante at Paris Opera, conducted by Harry Bicket
- John Nelson makes his debut with The English Concert directing a special performance of Handel’s Messiah
- Recitals at Wigmore Hall celebrating the works of Purcell and Bach
- New recordings of Handel’s Serse (to be released on Linn in 2023) and Solomon (to be released on Linn in 2024).
The English Concert’s 2022/23 season centres of the works of Handel and includes collaborations with returning artists Iestyn Davies and Emily D’Angelo, in addition to debuts from directors John Nelson and Jean Rondeau. This season will see performances of Solomon and Ariodante, as The English Concert continues with their dedicated programme of Handel opera and oratorios. These performances held across the UK, Europe and North America, will follow the success of the ensemble’s critically acclaimed staged performances of Serse (April 2022), concert performances of Saul at the Edinburgh International Festival and Solomon at the BBC Proms (August 2022).
Alfonso Leal de Ojo, chief executive of The English Concert, says:
“The English Concert is deeply invested in bringing Handel’s music to audiences across the UK and the rest of the world. Following our performance of Solomon at the BBC Proms, we are delighted to be bringing this lavish oratorio to Europe and North America. This year will also see our debut at Paris Opera with the mesmerising Ariodante, under the baton of Harry Bicket and the artistic direction of Robert Carsen.”
Handel’s Solomon
Solomon, an oratorio widely considered to be Handel’s most magnificent and lavish creation, will see performances in the new year led by mezzo-soprano Ann Hallenberg in the title role, conducted by Harry Bicket.
The English Concert will be joined alongside acclaimed vocal ensemble the Clarion Choir and soloists soprano Elena Villalón, mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, tenor James Way and baritone Brandon Cedel. Alongside acclaimed vocal ensemble the Clarion Choir. The company will be touring to Auditorio Nacional de Música, Madrid (26 February), Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley (5 March), LA Opera, Los Angeles (10 March) and Carnegie Hall, New York (12 March).
A further concert celebrating the work of Handel will be staged at the Barbican on 28 February. This performance will recreate Handel’s first benefit concert for the Foundling Hospital. The programme features some of Handel’s most beloved repertoire, including Music for the Royal Fireworks, a selection from Solomon and the Foundling Hospital Anthem, which ends with the rousing Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah. This concert is presented in partnership with the Barbican and the Coram Foundation, who continue the legacy of the Foundling Hospital. Together they will also present a relaxed performance specifically for children with additional needs.
Handel’s Ariodante at Paris Opera
In collaboration with Paris Opera, The English Concert will present eleven performances of Ariodante at the Palais Garnier, Paris (20 April – 20 May). Conducted by Harry Bicket and directed by Robert Carsen, this new production presents Handel’s ‘opera seria’ under a different light, with the direction examining the psychological motivations of each character. This production reunites the creative minds of Bicket and Carsen and presents Handel in a dynamic and exciting setting. Acclaimed mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo takes the title role following her acclaimed performance in Serse (April 2022). Soprano Olga Kulchynska will take on the role of Ginevra. The cast will also feature soprano Tamara Banjesevic, countertenor Christophe Dumaux, tenors Eric Ferring and Enrico Casari, and bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni.
Wigmore Hall
The English Concert will begin its season with a concert in celebration of Purcell’s early works at Wigmore Hall (27 September). My Beloved Spake, will feature a programme of works from Purcell, including: My Heart is Inditing, Evening Hymn (arr. Harry Bicket) and Now does the glorious day appear, in addition to the title work. The concert will hear performances from soprano Hilary Cronin, countertenors Iestyn Davies and Hugh Cutting, tenor Samuel Boden and bass Ashley Riches. The programme will also feature two instrumental pieces, the first by Purcell’s teacher, John Blow, the rarely heard Chaconne in G major; with Purcell’s Chacony in G Minor following, a piece said to be inspired by the former.
This will be the first of three performances at Wigmore Hall, with the orchestra returning for a performance on 24 April.
Acclaimed Harpsichordist Jean Rondeau will lead two performances dedicated to Bach with The English Concert in 2023. Placing a new interpretation on three of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. Together, they will present the first, third and sixth concertos of Bach’s collection at Bath Abbey (18 February) and Wigmore Hall (21 February).
Garsington 2023
The English Concert will be returning to Garsington Opera for performances of Mozart’s Mitridate, re di Ponto (1 June – 2 July) conducted by Clemens Schuldtand Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia (31 May – 22 July) conducted by Douglas Boyd.
Handel’s Messiah
The English Concert will record and perform Messiah in full at Coventry Cathedral (24 November). Embarking on a theme of resurrection and set in the rebuilt Cathedral, marking 280 years since the London premiere of Handel’s masterpiece. Conductor John Nelson, who will be making his debut with the orchestra. This forms part of Nelson’s initiative to record all versions of Messiah for future release.
Soloists for this concert include soprano Lisette Oropesa, countertenor Alex Potter, tenor Michael Spyres and bass Matthew Brook. These acclaimed voices from the world of opera will join The English Concert and the choir of The English Concert for an exciting interpretation of this well-known work.
Highlights include:
- Performances of Handel’s Solomon in Madrid, London, Berkeley, Los Angeles and New York
- Collaborations with acclaimed musicians and companies, including Handel’s Ariodante at Paris Opera, conducted by Harry Bicket
- John Nelson makes his debut with The English Concert directing a special performance of Handel’s Messiah
- Recitals at Wigmore Hall celebrating the works of Purcell and Bach
- New recordings of Handel’s Serse (to be released on Linn in 2023) and Solomon (to be released on Linn in 2024).
The English Concert’s 2022/23 season centres of the works of Handel and includes collaborations with returning artists Iestyn Davies and Emily D’Angelo, in addition to debuts from directors John Nelson and Jean Rondeau. This season will see performances of Solomon and Ariodante, as The English Concert continues with their dedicated programme of Handel opera and oratorios. These performances held across the UK, Europe and North America, will follow the success of the ensemble’s critically acclaimed staged performances of Serse (April 2022), concert performances of Saul at the Edinburgh International Festival and Solomon at the BBC Proms (August 2022).
Alfonso Leal de Ojo, chief executive of The English Concert, says:
“The English Concert is deeply invested in bringing Handel’s music to audiences across the UK and the rest of the world. Following our performance of Solomon at the BBC Proms, we are delighted to be bringing this lavish oratorio to Europe and North America. This year will also see our debut at Paris Opera with the mesmerising Ariodante, under the baton of Harry Bicket and the artistic direction of Robert Carsen.”
Handel’s Solomon
Solomon, an oratorio widely considered to be Handel’s most magnificent and lavish creation, will see performances in the new year led by mezzo-soprano Ann Hallenberg in the title role, conducted by Harry Bicket.
The English Concert will be joined alongside acclaimed vocal ensemble the Clarion Choir and soloists soprano Elena Villalón, mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, tenor James Way and baritone Brandon Cedel. Alongside acclaimed vocal ensemble the Clarion Choir. The company will be touring to Auditorio Nacional de Música, Madrid (26 February), Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley (5 March), LA Opera, Los Angeles (10 March) and Carnegie Hall, New York (12 March).
A further concert celebrating the work of Handel will be staged at the Barbican on 28 February. This performance will recreate Handel’s first benefit concert for the Foundling Hospital. The programme features some of Handel’s most beloved repertoire, including Music for the Royal Fireworks, a selection from Solomon and the Foundling Hospital Anthem, which ends with the rousing Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah. This concert is presented in partnership with the Barbican and the Coram Foundation, who continue the legacy of the Foundling Hospital. Together they will also present a relaxed performance specifically for children with additional needs.
Handel’s Ariodante at Paris Opera
In collaboration with Paris Opera, The English Concert will present eleven performances of Ariodante at the Palais Garnier, Paris (20 April – 20 May). Conducted by Harry Bicket and directed by Robert Carsen, this new production presents Handel’s ‘opera seria’ under a different light, with the direction examining the psychological motivations of each character. This production reunites the creative minds of Bicket and Carsen and presents Handel in a dynamic and exciting setting. Acclaimed mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo takes the title role following her acclaimed performance in Serse (April 2022). Soprano Olga Kulchynska will take on the role of Ginevra. The cast will also feature soprano Tamara Banjesevic, countertenor Christophe Dumaux, tenors Eric Ferring and Enrico Casari, and bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni.
Wigmore Hall
The English Concert will begin its season with a concert in celebration of Purcell’s early works at Wigmore Hall (27 September). My Beloved Spake, will feature a programme of works from Purcell, including: My Heart is Inditing, Evening Hymn (arr. Harry Bicket) and Now does the glorious day appear, in addition to the title work. The concert will hear performances from soprano Hilary Cronin, countertenors Iestyn Davies and Hugh Cutting, tenor Samuel Boden and bass Ashley Riches. The programme will also feature two instrumental pieces, the first by Purcell’s teacher, John Blow, the rarely heard Chaconne in G major; with Purcell’s Chacony in G Minor following, a piece said to be inspired by the former.
This will be the first of three performances at Wigmore Hall, with the orchestra returning for a performance on 24 April.
Acclaimed Harpsichordist Jean Rondeau will lead two performances dedicated to Bach with The English Concert in 2023. Placing a new interpretation on three of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. Together, they will present the first, third and sixth concertos of Bach’s collection at Bath Abbey (18 February) and Wigmore Hall (21 February).
Garsington 2023
The English Concert will be returning to Garsington Opera for performances of Mozart’s Mitridate, re di Ponto (1 June – 2 July) conducted by Clemens Schuldtand Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia (31 May – 22 July) conducted by Douglas Boyd.
Handel’s Messiah
The English Concert will record and perform Messiah in full at Coventry Cathedral (24 November). Embarking on a theme of resurrection and set in the rebuilt Cathedral, marking 280 years since the London premiere of Handel’s masterpiece. Conductor John Nelson, who will be making his debut with the orchestra. This forms part of Nelson’s initiative to record all versions of Messiah for future release.
Soloists for this concert include soprano Lisette Oropesa, countertenor Alex Potter, tenor Michael Spyres and bass Matthew Brook. These acclaimed voices from the world of opera will join The English Concert and the choir of The English Concert for an exciting interpretation of this well-known work.