Diary

Polyphony: Handel’s Messiah
Dec
23

Polyphony: Handel’s Messiah

Polyphony and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment are delighted to be back at St John’s Smith Square under the inspirational direction of Stephen Layton for another very special performance of Handel’s Messiah.

We have all missed live music so much during the pandemic, performers and audience alike – and with a stunning line-up of soloists in Anna Dennis, a “delectable soprano and a serene, ever-sentient presence” (The Times), mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston, “an exceptional interpreter” (Classical Source), “the incomparable tenor“(Herald Scotland) James Gilchrist and bass Neal Davies “If there is a God, and he has a voice, then it's that of Neal Davies” (classical-music.com), this is an opportunity not to be missed.

“The OAE’s strings clearly revelled in the venue’s diaphanous acoustic, to myriad effect: a shadowy pianissimo…champagne-froth passagework…lyrical effulgence... The trumpet solos…unapologetically luxurious and burnished.”  Bachtrack  

“… embody the remarkable tradition of British choral excellence at its finest.” Gramophone Magazine

“Stephen Layton…put his own expert stamp on Handel’s most famous oratorio…Imaginative, lively, and full of drama, this was a “Messiah” worth the audience’s “hallelujah”.  The Seattle Times

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Polyphony: Christmas Oratorio
Dec
22

Polyphony: Christmas Oratorio

Polyphony

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Stephen Layton

DIRECTOR

Anna Dennis

SOPRANO

Hugh Cutting

COUNTERTENOR

James Gilchrist

TENOR

Neal Davies

BASS

Bach

Christmas Oratorio parts 1, 2 and 3

Corelli

Christmas Concerto

For the first time this year, Polyphony will perform Bach’s Christmas Oratorio as part of the St John’s Smith Square Christmas Festival.   With leading soloists and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, expect vocal, choral and instrumental virtuosity, all under the inspired direction of Stephen Layton.

“drama and excitement”  The Arts Desk, December 2022

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