Lunchtime Concert: Orpheus Britannicus - A celebration of Henry Purcell
The finest choral music of Westminster Abbey’s most famous organist, Henry Purcell, alongside some of his solo songs as realised by Benjamin Britten.
Join the St Margaret’s Consort of Westminster Abbey as they celebrate the work of Henry Purcell, organist of Westminster Abbey 1679-1695.
Lamented after his early death as the “Orpheus Britannicus”, Purcell was a composer and performer who excelled in every genre of his day, and prolific in writing for both church and stage.
Our programme presents some of his finest church music, expressive and vivid in its word painting. Purcell’s music for the stage is heard through the lens of Benjamin Britten. Purcell was a major influence on Britten, who took some of Purcell’s solo songs from the stage and adorned them with his own highly imaginative and characterful piano accompaniments.
About the St Margaret's Consort
St Margaret’s Consort is the professional vocal ensemble which provides choral music for the many high-profile services which take place in St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey; in particular, the Consort provides the music for celebrations of the life and works of prominent Parliamentarians, due to the close links St Margaret’s has enjoyed with both Houses of Parliament over the centuries. The altos, tenors and basses of the Consort also sing regularly with the St Margaret’s Choristers.
There is evidence of choral music in St Margaret’s dating back to the church’s consecration in 1523, when prominent Tudor composers Nicholas Ludford and Robert Whyte were closely associated with the church. The current Consort has its roots in the Choir of St Margaret’s Church which in the past half century has been conducted by, among others, Richard Hickox, Simon Over and Aidan Oliver.
About the Conductor
Greg Morris is Director of Music at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, where he oversees and directs the music both in St Margaret’s itself and in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft in the Houses of Parliament. As part of this role, Greg founded and directs the St Margaret’s Choristers, the Abbey’s first girl choristers to take part in its centuries-long tradition of choral worship.
Besides his work at Westminster, Greg is Musical Director of Collegium Musicum of London and Bar Choral Society. With both choirs, Greg performs music ranging from mediaeval to contemporary works, and in particular collaborates with leading soloists and period instrumentalists in the performance of major works from the Baroque and Classical eras. Greg is also an established organist, in which guise he has performed on four continents, broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, and played at the BBC Proms.
ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION
Tickets
- Individual seats are not reserved. Ticket holders will be seated in order of arrival.
- Attendee tickets for young people under the age of 18 are free when accompanied by a ticket holder
- Westminster City Card holders receive 40% discount - see the ‘Culture offers’ on the Westminster City Card scheme website for details
Timings
- Doors will open 15 minutes before the concert at 12:45pm and the concert will begin at 1:00pm.
Access & security
- Entry to St Margaret's 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
- The Abbey is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events for all. If you have any access requirements or questions about your visit, please contact us when booking: [email protected]
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 nine
- While concerts provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy St Margaret'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. This ticket does not include entry to the Abbey.
- Tickets for Abbey concerts are non-transferrable and non-refundable
