A concert-drama about Henry Purcell

Ceruleo Ensemble

November, 1695. The 36-year-old Henry Purcell works through a fever to deliver a song for the young singer Leticia Cross. As he drifts in and out of consciousness, dream-like memories of the Plague, the Fire of London, family life and the vibrant Restoration stage merge seamlessly with his exquisite vocal and instrumental music. Written specially for the London-based baroque ensemble Ceruleo, Clare Norburn’s latest concert-drama takes us inside the fevered head of Henry Purcell as he lies dying, exploring the inner and outer worlds of one of England’s greatest composers. No programme notes, no lectures: all you need to know is how to listen.

Pre-concert and interval bar