Entertainment: Joe Fuller

Gorgeous songs, early opera and lewd
strumpets at Brighton Early Music Festival

I previewed the first half of BREMF’s concerts a few weeks ago and return now to focus on the final events. An exciting classical music festival in the heart of Brighton and a markedly high calibre of performers is worth shouting about as much as possible in my opinion!

This Wednesday sees one of early music’s greatest heroines (soprano Emma Kirkby) and heroes (lutist Jakob Lindberg) join forces, playing music by John Dowland, Henry Purcell and more. Kirkby’s voice is sublime, and you can find popular videos on YouTube if you want to hear her for yourself. Dowland is a favourite composer of mine, ‘Come Again’ is a stunning song for example with a heartwarming ascending melody. It might sound old fashioned in style but as far as I’m concerned the song could be a contemporary pop ballad. (Heroines Of The Golden Age, St George’s Church, Wednesday 4 November, 8pm)

The first surviving opera by a woman composer is being fully staged at the Old Market on Thursday, with the titillating title ‘La Liberazione Di Ruggiero Dall’isola Di Alcina’. A cornucopia of music, dance and drama from Archduchess Maria Maddalena, this is a great opportunity to see some high quality opera in the centre of town for a low price. And it also features an “evil, sexual sorceress”, which is just how I like my sorceress’. There are four performances but it’s worth noting that the Saturday family-friendly matinee is slightly shorter (cutting the prologue) and cheaper, with tickets from £10 to £20. (The Old Market, Thu 5 Nov 8pm, Sat 7 Nov 3pm, Sun 8 Nov 3pm & 7.30pm)

Lewd Strumpets and Constant Wives are hitting St George’s Church on Friday (8pm), with The Carnival Band and BREMF Community Choir performing tales of murder, sex and cruelty with the audience sat in a cabaret format. I admire anything that tries something new with classical concert programming, so the fact that one is invited to bring a picnic to a ‘raucous pub-style’ evening should make for something boozy
and fun.

The mighty English favourite Handel’s ‘Acis And Galatea’ was described as a “little opera” by the man himself and is a hugely popular, dramatic work. Soprano Catrin Woodruff will play the heroine Galatea and although this concert has sold out of standard tickets, there will be plenty of £5 Prom tickets on the door, meaning that you can sit upstairs in the church and still get a great sound. (St George’s Church, Saturday 7 November, 7.30pm)

Go to www.bremf.org.uk to find out more about the rest of the programme and book tickets.