Gabrieli

From Heavenly Harmony: Acis & an Ode!

featuring Paul McCreesh (conductor), Carolyn Sampson (soprano) and Laurence Kilsby (tenor)

Paul McCreesh and the Gabrieli Consort make their London Handel Festival debut in a major two-part performance featuring two of Handel’s most celebrated masterpieces.

Part one features a performance of Handel’s timeless classic Acis & Galatea. Loved for its lyrical beauty and rustic charm, Acis & Galatea is one of Handel’s most enduringly popular works.

Part two is a performance of the rarely heard Ode for St Cecilia’s Day. First performed at Lincoln’s Inn Theatre in 1739, this joyful work celebrates the divine power of music itself. With some of Handel’s most sublime solo writing, rousing choruses, and dazzling instrumental colours, Ode for St Cecilia’s Day stands as one of his most engaging and life-affirming musical creations.

George Frideric Handel Acis & Galatea HWV 49
Gabrieli Consort & Players
Paul McCreesh Conductor
Carolyn Sampson Galatea
Laurence Kilsby Acis
Will Thomas Polyphemus
Archie Inns Coridon
Jonathan Hanley Damon

G.F. Handel Ode for St Cecilia’s Day HWV 76
Gabrieli Consort & Players
Paul McCreesh Conductor
Carolyn Sampson Soprano
Laurence Kilsby Tenor

London Handel Festival
Sat, 14 March 2026
Smith Square Hall, London
4:30pm
£25 - £75
➕1 other performance

Full Event Details

Paul McCreesh and the Gabrieli Consort make their London Handel Festival debut in a major two-part performance featuring two of Handel’s most celebrated masterpieces.

Part one features a performance of Handel’s timeless classic Acis & Galatea. Loved for its lyrical beauty and rustic charm, Acis & Galatea is one of Handel’s most enduringly popular works.

Part two is a performance of the rarely heard Ode for St Cecilia’s Day. First performed at Lincoln’s Inn Theatre in 1739, this joyful work celebrates the divine power of music itself. With some of Handel’s most sublime solo writing, rousing choruses, and dazzling instrumental colours, Ode for St Cecilia’s Day stands as one of his most engaging and life-affirming musical creations.

George Frideric Handel Acis & Galatea HWV 49
Gabrieli Consort & Players
Paul McCreesh Conductor
Carolyn Sampson Galatea
Laurence Kilsby Acis
Will Thomas Polyphemus
Archie Inns Coridon
Jonathan Hanley Damon

G.F. Handel Ode for St Cecilia’s Day HWV 76
Gabrieli Consort & Players
Paul McCreesh Conductor
Carolyn Sampson Soprano
Laurence Kilsby Tenor