Henry Purcell King Arthur

Rosamund Shelley & Stephen Varcoe readers, Philippa Hyde soprano Archie Inns tenor, Stuart O’Hara bass, Psalmody, Essex Baroque Orchestra directed by Peter Holman harpsichord King Arthur, John Dryden’s play set as a dramatic opera by Purcell, was an early attempt at an historical King Arthur, in conflict with the Saxon King Oswald. Nevertheless, Dryden retained Arthur’s magician Merlin and added the evil Saxon sorcerer Osmond, allowing for spectacular magic displays such as the famous Frost Scene and the Act V masque, in which Merlin shows Arthur and Oswald a vision of a future united Britain. The musical scenes in this complete concert performance are linked by a script devised by Richard Andrews, which conveys the essence of Dryden’s play.

Please note that we no longer issue paper tickets. You will receive email or postal confirmation with your allocated seat numbers, together with information about any special arrangements currently in place for our concerts. SEASON TICKET Buy a ticket for both concerts (19 April, 25 May) for £36 – a discount of 10%.

The Musical Tea Party is not discounted because it is a fundraiser for SVF. CONCESSIONS Halfprice tickets are available to fulltime students and those under 30. SEATING FOR CONCERTS Top price seats in the central section of the venue will be reserved, allocated on a first come first served basis. Unreserved seats will be at the side of the venue and may have a view which is partially obscured by a pillar. Seating is at tables with places reserved; when tickets are bought together the places will all be at the same table. Please let us know if you would like to be seated with people buying their tickets independently.

VENUE INFORMATION Public car parks are clearly signposted in Hadleigh and Dedham but for ease of navigation we suggest the car parks in Magdalen Road, Hadleigh (IP7 5AD) and Mill Lane in Dedham (CO7 6DH). Some parking is available at Nayland Village Hall. Toilet facilities are available at all venues.

BOOKING INFORMATION

Booking opens on 23 February to Supporters (Friends, Patrons and Benefactors) of Suffolk Villages Festival and on 2 March to the general public. To book tickets, please visit the website or telephone the box office: 01206 543417
info@suffolkvillagesfestival.com www.suffolkvillagesfestival.com