I dread to think what it must have cost to bring the King's Consort to Brighton for this concert of music by Henry Purcell.
But with a cast of singers including counter-tenors James Bowman and Charles Humphries and soprano Lynne Dawson plus seven others, all equally good, it was money well spent.
The concert opened with Why Are All The Muses Mute? Which is really only notable for the James Bowman solo. The main work Dido and Aeneas was astounding.
Lynne Dawson is a soprano to die for. Her range and colouring is almost eerily brilliant and to hear her sing Dido's Lament, as the character looks forward to death, is breathtaking.
With bass Michael George as Aeneas their duets were fabulously well done. I don't think I have heard a reading of this hour-long opera so well done before.
The King's Consort was on top form and if, like me, you do not automatically warm to early music, hear them and you will come close to being converted. Good things galore were here in this concert and the splendid acoustics of St George's Chapel made this an evening to remember.
St George's Chapel, Kemptown, Brighton Friday
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article