Rameau
Suite from Les Boréades
Pygmalion
One of the UK’s most exciting Baroque ensembles returns to the splendour of Middle Temple Hall for a feast of French baroque music, bringing with them a superb cast.
Jean-Philippe Rameau described music as ‘the language of the heart’. His sudden and unexpected entrance into the world of theatre at the age of 50 revolutionised French baroque opera. Rameau’s operas raised the artform to a new level with their sumptuousness, drama, impressive and unforgettable musical vistas and choral tableaus.
Fifteen years on, he wrote his hugely popular, one-act masterpiece, Pygmalion. The story is based on the myth of Pygmalion as told in Ovid's Metamorphoses - in which a sculptor falls in love with his own statue of a woman... The concert opens with a suite of ravishing instrumental music from Rameau’s lyric tragedy, Les Boréades – the composer’s last work.
Early Opera Company
Conductor - Christian Curnyn
Pygmalion - Samuel Boden
L’Amour - Hilary Cronin
Céphise - Jessica Cale
Statue - Lauren Lodge-Campbell
Approximately 100 minutes in duration (including interval - during which complimentary refreshments are served).
This concert is generously sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Paviors
"Find anything exciting happening in period opera in the UK and Curnyn will be involved, whether it’s conducting at the Wanamaker or ENO, recording Handel or directing his own projects."
The SpectatorA priority booking period is currently in place for this event. Tickets go on sale to the public on New Year's Day.
