Purcell: King Arthur

Baroquestock presents a fully staged performance of Purcell’s Restoration masque King Arthur. A confection of music and dance, speech and action, this dramatic semi-opera is set to a libretto by the poet John Dryden, telling the little-known story of King Arthur’s mission to rescue his blind Cornish fiancée, Princess Emmeline.

In the 1690s, as today, London was a cultural melting pot. Purcell’s genius lay in his ability to synthesise musical influences from all over Europe into a style which was both cosmopolitan and quintessentially English. Presented by a suitably international ensemble of artists, Baroquestock’s King Arthur is a production not to be missed!

This production has been made possible thanks to the support of Gilbert and Vahideh Hall​, as well as a joint grant from Continuo Foundation​ and The Purcell Society. Baroquestock is also kindly supported by Heath Street Baptist Church.

Performers:
Tamara Hinson dancer
Christopher Hunter actor
Isabelle Haile, Mariana Rodrigues sopranos
Hera Protopapas alto
Max Robbins tenor
Benjamin Schilperoort barotone
Istante Collective
Matthew Brown harpsichord, conductor
Natalie Coury stage director, designer

Baroquestock brings live music to audiences in an accessible and direct way, with an informal atmosphere where you can not only hear some of the best musicians on historical instruments but also savour their home cooking and talk to them afterwards.

The Baroquestock Pantry is open at every performance, inviting concert-goers to continue the musical conversation over homemade focaccia, pizzicotti and drinks.