Programme

Interspersed with readings by Shakespearian actors from the bard’s most beloved plays, we trace Shakespeare’s influence across 400 years of music history. Follow along from the songs of Shakespeare’s contemporary Francesca Caccini (1587–1641); to the incidental music written by Henry Purcell (1659–1695) for Timon of Athens and The Fairy Queen; to William Walton’s (1902-1983) music for Henry V; to the first live performance of the incidental music composed by Guy Woolfenden (1937–2016) for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of The Tempest since the 1978 acclaimed production. Suite Nos 2 & 3 from Handel’s Water Music add joyous closure to this summer concert.

Performers

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra
Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey Conductor