Best Easter music: London concerts and opera to uplift and inspire
The Easter story told in song, a Handel rarity and Messiah, performed by top artists in churches and concert halls
The Easter story told in song, a Handel rarity and Messiah, performed by top artists in churches and concert halls
The soaring top line of Allegri's haunting music will ring round the fine Georgian architecture of St Martin's in an early evening, hour-long candle-lit concert by the English Chamber Choir (pictured). Also sung, JS Bach's poignant Jesu, meine Freude and Lotti's moving Crucifixus.
Read more ...How much do you sacrifice for love? That is the question posed in Dvorak's much-loved opera with echoes of The Little Mermaid. Listen out for the Song to the Moon, sung by the captivating soprano Corinne Winters (pictured) in the title role, as a nymph who gives up her voice to live with an earthbound prince.
Read more ...The ultimate Easter piece: the whole story of Christ from Nativity to Crucifixion and Resurrection, told by Handel at thrilling speed. Performed by candlelight by St Martin's Voices (pictured) and the Brandenburg Sinfonia under Andrew Earis.
Read more ...JS Bach's dramatic telling of the Easter story is operatic in scale and many-layered, with beautiful arias and spectacular choruses. Ed Lyon (pictured) is the Evangelist, leading a starry line-up of soloists who join the Bach Choir and orchestra Florilegium under David Hill. Sung in English, with long lunch interval.
Read more ...The more intimate of JS Bach's two great Passions is sung by the Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the Academy of Ancient Music under William Vann. Soloists include Matthew Rose (pictured) as Christus and the fast-rising tenor James Way as the Evangelist.
Read more ...At the Georgian church that London resident Handel knew, a Good Friday performance of the the powerful oratorio by the composer's German contemporary JS Bach. With double choir, early music specialists the London Handel Orchestra and soloists, including Nathan Vale as the Evangelist, conducted by Laurence Cummings (pictured).
Read more ...St John's Smith Square's week of sacred and contemplative music features both Bach Passions, the St Matthew on 6 April, and on Good Friday this performance by Polyphony and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment of the St John. With an all-star line-up of soloists: Robert Murray as the Evangelist, Neal Davies as Jesus, plus soprano Mary Bevan (pictured), tenor Iestyn Davies and bass Ashley Riches. Stephen Layton conducts
Read more ...In the processional Easter Hymn at the heart of Mascagni's opera set, a small community gives voice with a religious passion to match the passions of the lovers at the heart of the story. An award-winning production returns to Covent Garden, with Leoncavallo's backstage opera about the tears of a clown....
Read more ...A full-scale work that marks the pinnacle of JS Bach's compositions, performed on the afternoon of Easter Day by Armonico Consort under Christopher Monks, with soloists including Elin Manahan Thomas (pictured). Bach never heard the piece in its entirety, but today it is one of the most sought-out pieces of music for those from all faiths and none.
Read more ...Mozart's musical farewell, sung by candlelight by the English Chamber Choir (pictured) and the Belmont Ensemble of London, under Peter Dyson. With soloists including mezzo-soprano Ciara Hendrick. In the first half, Vivaldi's joyful Gloria in D, JS Bach's devotional Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and the jubilant Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah by Handel.
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