The English Concert to give performance dedicated to Shakespeare
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The "Shakespearean" programme will consist of England's best music of the period, including works by Purcell and Handel. Henry Purcell, one of the most famous composers in baroque music of the post-Shakespeare era, wrote "The Fairy Queen" in 1692 as an adaptation of The Bard's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". George Frideric Handel, the Baroque master who conquered 18th century London, wrote "Giulio Cesare" as a high drama about heroes and love. The orchestra will also perform songs and instrumental music by Purcell, Locke and others, all of whom fell under the spell of the inspirational Shakespeare.
The English Concert has an unsurpassed reputation for its inspiring performances of baroque and classical music. The orchestra's award-winning discography of over 100 recordings features masterworks from Bach to Purcell and Handel to Mozart, as well as some of the most renowned artists in recent history.
Harry Bicket studied at the Royal College of Music and the University of Oxford and is an accomplished harpsichordist. Internationally renowned as an opera and concert conductor of distinction, the Liverpool-born musician is especially noted for his interpretation of baroque and classical repertoire.
Hailed by the Telegraph as one of the best young British singers, Mary Bevan delivers consistently exciting singing and standout performances on opera and concert platforms. A Harewood Artist at the English National Orchestra in season 2015/16, Bevan has also won the Royal Philharmonic Society's Young Artist Award and the UK's Critics' Circle Award for Exceptional Young Talent in music.
Tim Mead has been praised for his elegant and warm tone with faultless projection and stylish interpretations. His virtuosic performances have drawn much international attention and he is recognised as one of the finest counter-tenors across the generations.
"Shakespeare in Love" by the English Concert is the final programme of "Great Music 2016" presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. It will be held at 8.15pm on December 11 (Sunday) at the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $200, $280, $360 and $440 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/program_1095.html.
A pre-concert talk entitled "The Musical Shakespeare: From a 17th Century Point of View" (to be conducted in Cantonese) will be held at 7pm at the North Committee Room, 7/F, High Block, Hong Kong City Hall. The speaker will be Dennis Wu. Admission is free with limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ends/Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:06
Issued at HKT 11:06
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