22 May 2026
Jonathan Sells conducted the Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque soloists and a cast of stellar soloist in two immersive performances of Purcell's Dido & Aeneas under the hull of Cutty Sark, directed by Andrew Staples.
"Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras has put on a performance of a lifetime."
"The Monteverdi choir is the slickest, most angelic choir it is possible to hear. Favoured by King Charles III for his coronation, we can hear why"
A Young(ish) Perspective ★★★★★ (London)
"Fine judgement governed the interventions of the Monteverdi Choir, who bobbed and jigged credibly in the jollier moments that come close to the pert, knowing manner of Purcell’s secular songs, while maintaining a statuesque, impeccably uniform dignity, in the moments of specific tragedy. The diminuendo of the fade in the final chorus was exquisitely judged"
"the glorious quality of the musicianship throughout"
Plays To See ★★★★★ (London)
"the harmonious melding of voices and instruments was blissful."
"As a reminder of how technical excellence can lift the soul and music commune with the numinous, this cushioned, rapturous performance left criticism redundant."
Bachtrack ★★★★ (London)
"this was a tremendous performance"
"Best of all were unaccompanied choral moments... voices absolutely unified in their inflection, carving the music’s emotions with devastating clarity"
The Guardian (London)
"the fabulously textured singing of the choir, bringing brilliant gleam and theatrical punch."
The Times (London)
"Throughout the evening, the Monteverdi Choir proved magnificently versatile"
"glorious quality of the musicianship throughout"
The Arts Desk (London)
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© Paul Marc Mitchell
