love:Handel

300 years has done little to dull Handel’s legacy; if anything, his music is just as popular now, if not more so, than during his lifetime. What makes him such a relatable character, and a vital part of the English musical establishment? Are we captivated by his astute business sense and entrepreneurship, his ambition, his refusal to be pigeon-holed, his way of dealing with tricky singers, his love of fine food and wine, his piety, his closely guarded private life? Ultimately, none of that matters, as it is Handel’s wonderful music, that has ensured his lasting legacy.

Handel is masterful in the way his music allows us to explore every part of the emotional spectrum, from his earliest teenage works, right up to his most mature works, composed and then tweaked right at the end of his life. love:Handel 2025 presents an overview of works dating from 1699, right through to the late 1750s, chamber and orchestral, vocal and instrumental, sacred and secular, showing just what it is about this music that we love.

All concerts feature verbal introductions, putting the music firmly in context, which we have found so helpful in introducing new audiences to this wonderful repertoire, making it accessible and relevant for everyone.

The award-winning Brook Street Band explores Handel’s incredible musical genius in Inspiration & Legacy, the spark behind his musical ideas, and how this ‘colossus’ of a man went on to shape English and European musical life from the 18th century to the present day.