An Authentic Purcell Celebration by Kingston Choral Society

Kingston Choral Society's summer concert on 22 June, at St Andrew's Church Surbiton, will celebrate the stunning music of Henry Purcell, considered to be the greatest English composer of the Baroque era. Also, a virtuoso performer, who was appointed as organist of Westminster Abbey at the young age of 20, Purcell enjoyed rock-star status during his lifetime, and was dubbed the "Orpheus Britannicus".

The first half of the performance features highlights of Purcell's wonderful church music, including perhaps his finest anthem, My heart is inditing, composed for the coronation of King James II. Then the choir is joined by superb soloists to revel in his ground-breaking short opera Dido and Aeneas, describing the tragic love story of the Queen of Carthage and the founder of Rome, with its hauntingly lovely final aria, Dido's Lament.

The outstanding quartet of soloists are all recent graduates of the prestigious National Opera studio. They include Felix Gygli, winner of the 2023 Kathleen Ferrier Award. This is a welcome return to Kingston Choral Society by Felix, who excelled as Elijah at All Saints, Kingston, in March this year.

The period instruments of the Purcell Players add further interest and authenticity to a very special evening of music.

KCS Musical Director, Andrew Griffiths, who is currently Head Coach of the National Opera Studio, will conduct.