Saved events

Paradise Lost

Academy of Ancient Music

An impassioned Richard Edgarr conducting with an open mouth

John Christopher Smith’s oratorio setting of Milton’s epic, Paradise Lost, is perhaps his finest work, performed here by the Academy of Ancient Music with their brand new edition of the score.

Handel’s close friend and amanuensis, Smith was an excellent composer in his own right, and this revival performance with a brilliant cast of soloists promises to shed greater light on this neglected masterpiece. First performed on 29 February 1760, Paradise Lost (with words by Stillingfleet after Milton) was Smith’s greatest success and helped elevate him to the position of artistic director of the Covent Garden Royal Theatre.

Featuring the majesty of the Huddersfield Choral Society; don’t miss the opening concert of a work which is surely destined for new life and deserved recognition on the concert and operatic stage.

In association with the London Handel Festival.

The performance will finish at approximately 6pm, including a 20 minute interval.

Pre-concert talk 3pm

Discover

photo of roderick williams singing

Barbican Sessions: Roderick Williams and Andrew West

 

Filmed in an empty Milton Court Concert Hall, baritone Roderick Williams and pianist Andrew West perform a beautiful rendition of 'An die Nachtigall' by Johanness Brahms.

Illustration of two people

Opera Strip: Dido and Aeneas

Widely regarded as the greatest English opera of its time, illustrator Will Elliot creates an illustrated synopsis of Purcell’s poignant tale of love and loss, ahead of the Academy of Ancient Music's performance.

Barbican Hall