WHAT'S ON
the food of love
“If music be the food of love, play on;
Give me excess of it…”
Or how about just over an hour? This February, join us at Fidelio Cafe for two intimate evenings of love-themed music inspired by Duke Orsino’s immortal words from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. After meeting at an Italian wedding feast in 1600, we’ll then pay homage to the master of melancholy John Dowland, summon gods and dancefloors through the music of Henry Purcell, indulge in a sorbet of folk music, then get très romantique with gallant music by Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, Telemann, and autres. Expect heart-rending melodies, impassioned virtuosic flair, and tender moments of stillness. Texts and translations will be provided.
Mezzo soprano Bethany Horak-Hallett
Violin Sophia Prodanova
Recorder/flute Thomas Pickering
Theorbo/guitar Sergio Bucheli
Viola da gamba Jacob Garside
Musical director/harpsichord Jonathan Darbourne
Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February
7pm at Fidelio Cafe, 91-95 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1R 5BX
HANDEL'S MESSIAH
English Chamber Choir, Vache Baroque & exceptional soloists perform Handel’s Messiah in the Baroque splendour of St James’s Piccadilly.
Messiah was premiered just after Easter in 1742. This performance on the first Saturday after Easter is conducted by ECC’s highly-acclaimed Artistic Director, Rufus Frowde, with continuo support from Jonathan Darbourne (Artistic Director of Vache Baroque) and Richard Hills. They are joined by exceptional soloists – world-class, leading musicians of their generation.
Rowan Pierce soprano
Kate Symonds-Joy mezzo soprano
Sebastian Hill tenor
John Holland-Avery baritone
Rufus Frowde conductor
The English Chamber Choir is one of the UK’s leading and busiest vocal ensembles. Recent highlights include the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, London Palladium (with Rick Wakeman), Buckingham Palace, Temple Church, Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St Sophia and many concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields and abroad.
Saturday 11 April 2026
7.30pm at St James’s Piccadilly, London, UK
A HISTORY OF SOUND
“…the most impactful visiting group we have ever had in school…“
“This was the best workshop we’ve had in a very long time. The musicians/cast were just exceptional and hilariously funny. The children genuinely enjoyed it. Everything was so well-rehearsed and presented in a very humorous and informative manner.”
In 2026 we continue to tour our workshop-show to state primaries and special schools in Bucks, Brent and Slough.
To date we’re proud to have worked with over 2700 children and young people. Want to find out more about how you could help us reach even more schools and young people in need of support with their musical journeys?
“It was the best day I loved it”
“Super duper amazingly fun”
“I was smiling the whole time!”
“I felt like I was in a different world”
2026 SUMMER FESTIVAL
Programme announcement coming soon! In the meantime please enjoy this video from our 2025 circus-opera Le Carnaval de Venise: