Handel’s Leading Ladies
In 18th-century London, the operatic stage was as much a site of social spectacle as of musical innovation, shaped by star performers, fashionable audiences and the ambitions of a rapidly expanding cultural scene and at its centre stood Handel.
George Frideric Handel
Concerto Grosso Op.6 No.6
Torni omai la pace from Tolomeo
No, più soffrir non voglio from Alessandro
Giovanni Bononcini
Prelude from Il Lamento d’Olimpia
George Frideric Handel
False Imagine from Ottone
Giovanni Bononcini
Difese mi giurasti from Astianatte
John Butt director
Nardus Williams soprano
Paul Whittaker BSL interpreter
In 18th-century London, the operatic stage was as much a site of social spectacle as of musical innovation, shaped by star performers, fashionable audiences and the ambitions of a rapidly expanding cultural scene. At its centre stood Handel, whose works were brought vividly to life by leading international singers and musicians, two of whom were italian rivals, Francesca Cuzzoni and Faustina Bordoni.
Fuelled by public intrigue and partisan audiences, their famed rivalry became part of London’s cultural fabric, as did the striking contrast between their voices: Cuzzoni’s pure, expressive lyricism set against Bordoni’s brilliance and virtuosity.
This performance is part of our Deaf Season and will be BSL interpreted – further information on our Deaf Season can be found here. If you have access requirements, please contact info@dunedin-consort.org.uk and we will reserve seating for you.
Tickets: £6 – £26 (including booking fee)
