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ENSEMBLE INFO

Ensemble Contact:

Email:

lianne.toye@earlyopera.com

1995

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Bid The Virtues, Music from the Life of Queen Mary
Works by Purcell, Locke, Lanier and Huygens, with script by Tom Guthrie
Inner Temple Hall, Tuesday 29th September 2026

Conductor Christian Curnyn, with the Orchestra and Chorus of the Early Opera Company, narrated by actor Samuel West, present a musical journey through the life of Queen Mary, interweaving narrative with music. The programme follows her remarkable life from her birth in 1662, her marriage to William of Orange and her ascension as a joint ruler of England up to her untimely death in 1694, with a seamless blend of music and spoken word. Repertoire will include Purcell Come Ye sons of Art, Welcome to all the Pleasures and Funeral music for Queen Mary, alongside an orchestral suite from The Tempest by Matthew Locke and songs by Nicholas Lanier and Constantijn Huygens.

This will be a truly special event in the historic setting of Middle Temple Hall, where hangs a portrait of Queen Mary commissioned by the Inn from Sir Godfrey Kneller in 1694. This dramatic performance will uniquely tell the story of Queen Mary through Music and spoken word. Queen Mary was a Patron of Henry Purcell and was a regular correspondent with Constantijn Huygens

Casting (TBC)
The following cast members performed at Concertgebouw Amsterdam in October 2025, alongside narrator Samuel West – and we very much hope that all will perform again in September 2026.
Christian Curnyn conductor
Anna Dennis soprano
Sam Boden high tenor
Nick Pritchard tenor
Michael Mofidian bass-baritone
Orchestra and Chorus of the Early Opera Company
Programme
We begin with Mary's birth in the hedonistic court of Charles II, and her quick progression to second in line to the throne. Music she would have heard at court begins our concert:
Nicholas Lanier: No more shall meads 4’
Matthew Locke: Suite from The Tempest 10’
Mary was married at fifteen to William of Orange, reportedly crying for days after the betrothal. However, the marriage quickly became a love match, and Mary became wildly popular in The Hague.
Constantijn Huygens: Selected songs 10’
After the deposition of her father, Mary and her husband returned to London to become Joint Rulers of England, the only time there have been joint rulers in the United Kingdom. Since Charles II's restoration music had flourished at the English court, and the Queen quickly became a great supporter of Henry Purcell.
Purcell: Come Ye sons of Art 23’
Interval
Purcell: Welcome to all the Pleasures 15’
In late 1694 Mary contracted smallpox and died just after Christmas. She was immensely popular and there was an outpouring of grief in the country. Purcell was commissioned to write the Funeral service - one of his most heartfelt works.
Purcell: Funeral music for Queen Mary 15’
Total duration (with approx. 12-15 minutes’ narration): 1 hour 30 minutes

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