http://www.londonoctave.com/

London Octave with James Bowman
Andrew Watkinson - Director

James Bowman has been one of the world’s leading vocalists since his debut with Benjamin Britten. Spanning more than thirty years, his career has seen him perform at the world’s major opera houses, including La Scala Milan, Amsterdam, Paris, Aixen- Provence, Sydney, Verona, Vienna, Strasbourg, Sante Fe, Dallas and San Francisco with many of the leading conductors of our time including Harnoncourt, Bruggen, Gardiner, Norrington, Hogwood and Leonhardt. His fame has been recognised across the globe and at home in England where he was appointed a CBE in the 1997 Queen's Birthday Honours.

Through his work with the Early Music Consort of London, Bowman was a key figure in the international renewal of interest in early music and period performance and is particularly central to the revival of Handel’s operas. For his programme with London Octave and leader Andrew Watkinson at St Martin’s, he will present his own selection of arias from these operas, complimented by readings from documents including the composer’s Last Will and Testament.

“James Bowman went on to incarnate Handel’s heroes with burnished authority……we listened with bated breath” Michael Church, The Independent Jan 17 2008

"No counter tenor before or since has managed to match James Bowman's brilliant clarion sound" The Independent

Founded by cellist Dietrich Bethge in 1988 from London's leading musicians, London Octave aims to approach the baroque and classical repertoire in a fresh and vital manner, often without a conductor. Through their regular London season at St Martin-in-the-Fields, the South Bank and on BBC Radio 3, London Octave has attracted a loyal following of concert goers. London Octave's recent CD, 'Better Baroque,' featuring well-known baroque masterpieces, was described as "an absolute gem full of sparkle and wit" in Metro. Soloists appearing with the ensemble during this and last season include: James Bowman, William Bennett, Yvgeny Sudbin, Neil Black, Marisa Robles, Crispian Steele Perkins, Lorraine McAslan.

"LONDON OCTAVE'S superb delivery of Bach and Handel....." The Independent

"Bethge's Better Baroque" - Time Out

Programme
Handel Festival
Celebrating Handel with James Bowman and London Octave
Marking the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death

Handel – 'Overture' to Feramondo
Handel – Concerto Gross op 6 No 4
Handel – Favourite Arias from oratorios and operas
Handel – Oboe Concerto
Handel – Arrival of Queen of Sheba
Selected Readings

London Octave
James Bowman Countertenor
Gareth Hulse Oboe
Dietrich Bethge Director

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