Shakespeare’s »A Midsummer Night’s Dream« is a timeless classic – not only in the theatre, but also on the opera and concert stage. Among the earliest musical adaptations is Henry Purcell’s »The Fairy-Queen«. The leading English composer of the Baroque era transformed the whimsical plot, with its spirits, elves and fairies, into music that is as stirring as it is magnificent, which the Belgian vocal and instrumental ensemble Vox Luminis and its director Lionel Meunier now present in the fitting ambience of the Laeiszhalle.
Founded in 2004, Vox Luminis and its director have specialised entirely in Baroque music and, alongside masterpieces from Italy, Germany and England, have already unearthed many a hidden gem. What makes them special is that the diverse solo parts are performed by members of the choir, with the orchestra expanded as required. The ensemble last performed here in 2022, at that time with works by Heinrich Schütz and his contemporaries. With Purcell’s »The Fairy-Queen« it now brings one of the composer’s greatest successes to the stage. For a long time, however, the score was considered lost; it was only rediscovered in the 20th century – where it was immediately able to build on its early success.
PERFORMERS
Vox Luminis choir and orchestra
Lionel Meunier bass and director
PROGRAM
Henry Purcell
The Fairy Queen
Konzertante Aufführung in englischer Sprache
