Sir Nicholas Kenyon
Henry Purcell: England’s greatest composer?
Afternoon Lecture
From ‘Music for a while’ to ‘Nymphs and shepherds’, Purcell’s music has always been thought of as quintessentially English. Yet his idiom was thoroughly international, bringing together influences from around Europe. In advance of the evening's performance of Dido & Aeneas, our guest lecturer, the distinguished arts administrator and writer on music Sir Nicholas Kenyon reflects on Purcell’s changing reputation over the years, the nature of Englishness in music from Tye and Tavener to Vaughan Williams and Britten, and considers what lessons Purcell holds for our music-making today.
Tetbury Music Festival
Fri, 3 October 2025
The Goods Shed Arts Centre, Tetbury
3:00pm
£12
Full Event Details
From ‘Music for a while’ to ‘Nymphs and shepherds’, Purcell’s music has always been thought of as quintessentially English. Yet his idiom was thoroughly international, bringing together influences from around Europe. In advance of the evening's performance of Dido & Aeneas, our guest lecturer, the distinguished arts administrator and writer on music Sir Nicholas Kenyon reflects on Purcell’s changing reputation over the years, the nature of Englishness in music from Tye and Tavener to Vaughan Williams and Britten, and considers what lessons Purcell holds for our music-making today.
Venue Details & Map
Location
The Goods Shed Arts Centre, Tetbury
The Old Station Yard, Cirencester Road, Tetbury, GL8 8EY