Concerts

PURCELL KING ARTHUR

Purcell Image
SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 7pm
City Recital Hall Angel Place

“War is the trade of Kings.”
– John Dryden

Conductor: Brett Weymark
Soloists: Sara Macliver, Karen Fitz-Gibbon, Paul McMahon
Sydney Philharmonia Chamber Singers and Orchestra

Part reverential, part irreverent and wholly memorable, Henry Purcell’s King Arthur was once described as “the first musical in history” by famed conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt.

Harnessing the elegant text of John Dryden, the semi-opera recounts the chivalric adventures of King Arthur rescuing the blind princess Emmeline and features a cast of mystical characters that includes Merlin, Cupid and Venus. Featuring some of Purcell’s most ravishing music – notably the famous soprano aria Fairest Isle – King Arthur has become a favourite of creative opera directors since its premiere in 1691.

Come and see this witty and wonderful take on Purcell’s enduring work in this one performance only.

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