King Arthur

About

Henry Purcell and John Dryden’s great English opera was first staged a stone’s throw from the Temple (at the Dorset Garden Theatre) in 1691. Purcell lavished upon Dryden’s libretto some of his most captivating music, including the famous Frost Scene and the ravishing aria Fairest Isle. The story centres on Arthur's endeavours to rescue his fiancée, the blind Cornish Princess Emmeline, who has been abducted by his arch-enemy, the Saxon King Oswald of Kent. We welcome one the UK’s most exciting Baroque ensembles to Temple Church, for two concert performances of this Restoration spectacular. Cast & creatives Christian Curnyn director Lindsay Duncan narrator Rowan Pierce soprano Mhairi Lawson soprano Sam Boden tenor Nick Pritchard tenor Edward Grint bass-baritone The concert ends at 9.10pm (and includes a 20-minute interval). Sponsored by Blackstone Chambers. Priority booking runs until 31st May. General booking opens on 1st June.