Royal Free Singers - Handel's Alexander's Feast

The Royal Free Singers and the Orchestra of London are delighted to be performing this lesser known work by Handel, based on John Dryden's ode, Alexander's Feast, or The Power of Music.

The piece describes a banquet held by Alexander the Great and his mistress, Thais, in the captured Persian city of Persepolis. Encouraged by both Thais and the singing of the Greek army's resident musician, Timotheus, an increasingly intoxicated Alexander and his guest set about burning down the city in order to avenge the Greek soldiers killed in battle with the Persians.

Composed in 1736 and premiered at the Covent Garden Theatre, Alexander's Feast became a great success and encouraged Handel to make the transition from writing Italian opera to English choral works.

Refreshments available in the interval.

Disabled access to the side of the church.