The Annenberg Center Presents The English Concert

The Annenberg Center presents the world-renowned period-instrument ensemble, The English Concert, conducted by Harry Bicket, in an opera-in-concert of Handel's Semele, Tuesday, April 16 at 7 PM. The English Concert's highly-anticipated Philadelphia debut follows critically-acclaimed, sold-out New York appearances in 2018. Tickets are available at AnnenbergCenter.org or 215.898.3900.

The opera-in-concert Semele tells the tale of a princess' love affair with a god told in a stream of easy-flowing melodies and dazzling coloratura, and with show-stopping arias including "Endless pleasure, endless love" and "Where'er you walk." Soprano Brenda Rae appears in the title role of Semele.

The English Concert is one of the most highly-acclaimed performers of music of the baroque and classical periods, believing that they can get to the essential core of the music through their performances on original instruments, with styles of playing and singing appropriate to a composer or period. Established in 1973 by Trevor Pinnock, the ensemble, comprised of an international group of musicians, is currently led by Artistic Director Harry Bicket. Central to The English Concert's current activities is a Carnegie Hall commission to present one Handel opera-in-concert each year, with subsequent performances in major concert halls across Europe and the U.S. Since 1973, The English Concert's recordings have been the benchmark for interpretative integrity and technical excellence, featuring renowned artists and shedding light on unexplored musical treasures, and receiving numerous awards.

The Philadelphians: Migrations That Made Our City

The English Concert's performance and related activities culminate the Annenberg Center's 2018-19 series, The Philadelphians: Migrations That Made Our City. Philadelphia has been shaped by a long history of diverse cultures and traditions. In The Philadelphians, the Annenberg Center explored the populations that migrated to and influenced Philadelphia. Colonial-era early music is juxtaposed with new interpretations that look back on the city's history.