Concert: Handel's Alexander's Feast

The Choir of Westminster Abbey 
The English Concert

Nardus Williams soprano 
Simon Wall tenor 
Andrew Nethsingha conductor

The Choir of Westminster Abbey is joined by leading orchestra the English Concert for an evening of Baroque splendour, with acclaimed soprano Nardus Williams and other featured soloists drawn from the choir. Alexander’s Feast tells the tale of a banquet held by Alexander the Great, during which the famous Theban musician Timotheus sings and plays his lyre. Alexander is moved to extremes of emotion by the music, eventually burning down the captured Persian city of Persepolis in revenge for the loss of his soldiers.

The Choir of Westminster Abbey is renowned worldwide as one of the finest ensembles of its type, its repertoire extending from plainsong and Renaissance polyphony to twentieth-century masterpieces and new commissions. In addition to singing the daily services, as it has done since the fourteenth century, the Choir plays a central role in the many royal and state occasions which are held in the Abbey, most recently the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

“A choice performance … an extraordinary range of expressive tone.” The Guardian

This concert takes place thanks to the generous support of David Keltner and the late Patricia Owen Keltner. 

ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

Timings 

• Doors open at 6.15pm and the concert will begin at 7pm
• There will be an interval of 20 minutes and the performance will end at around 9.20pm
• Latecomers will be admitted but may not be able to occupy their allocated seats until a suitable break in the performance.

Access & security

• Entry to Westminster Abbey is via the Great West Door
• Your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you

Filming & photography

• Please note that photography, filming and sound recording are not permitted at Abbey concerts 

General

• Older children are very welcome at our evening concerts but we do not recommend them for children under the age of six
• While concerts provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the Abbey’s special atmosphere and magnificent architecture, the church is not open for visiting on concert evenings and we recommend consulting our website to plan a visit during opening hours
• Tickets for Abbey concerts are non-transferrable and non-refundable