Preview 6.30pm: Peter Davison discusses Purcell’s King Arthur with Philip Pickett.

Continuing their internationally-acclaimed exploration of Purcell’s dramatic masterpieces, Philip Pickett and the New London Consort return with a unique and iconoclastic version of King Arthur. No-one who saw their stunning reworking of The Fairy Queen will want to miss this one!

Celebrating the triumph of good over evil and conjuring up all the glories and mysteries of Arthur's enchanted Island Realm, Purcell and Merlin the magician together tell a gripping tale of love, battles, betrayal and abduction, sorcery and the supernatural, all set in a time of war between Saxons and Britons.

With a colourful orchestra of baroque trumpets, drums, oboes, bassoon, recorders, strings, English theorbo and harpsichord, Purcell’s vibrant score contains some of his most evocative, characterful and famous music, including the incredible Frost Scene. Pagans sacrifice, Warriors triumph, Spirits enchant, Nymphs and Shepherds pipe and dance, the Cold Genius shivers, naked Sirens seduce, Venus sings Fairest Isle and Comus & his crew bawl out their Harvest Home.

With narration by Merlin, magical lighting effects by master shinemonger Ace McCarron, and a stunning cast including Joanne Lunn, Anna Dennis, Joseph Cornwell, Nicholas Hurndall Smith and Michael George.

Associate Artists of The Bridgewater Hall (also see Thursday 21 June 2012)

Learning & Participation Event

Part of The Bridgewater Hall's International Concert Series

Season sponsor: Manchester Airport

A Sonic Card event