Find A Concert
Icon
Icon
Icon
Continuo-funded events only

The Curious Bards

Henry Purcell: Rebellion

Henry Purcell: Rebellion
The Curious Bards explores one of England’s greatest musical voices, Henry Purcell.

Beyond the celebrated composer of opera lies a musician deeply inspired by the dances and songs of his time. Theatre music sits alongside lively hornpipes, jigs, and traditional Scottish and Irish tunes, revealing a Purcell who is vibrant and theatrical.

Joined by guest mezzo-soprano Ilektra Platiopoulou, this programme offers a fresh and intimate portrait of the composer, one whose genius is rooted in the living energy of people.

Performed in the round, you’ll be up close to the musicians as the music of Purcell refracts into songs, dances, and playful rounds.

Programme:
Henry Purcell
Symphony While The Swans Come Forward
Sawney Is a Bonny Lad
Suite de 3 Hornpipes
The Double Dealer
Sophonisba
Sefauchi's Farewell
They tell us that you mighty powers above
The Married Beau
The Virtuous Wife
A New Scotch Tune / A New Irish Tune
Bacchus Is a Power Divine
Apollo's Banquet
Not All My Torments Can Your Pity Move
Oh! How You Protest


Full Event Details

The Curious Bards explores one of England’s greatest musical voices, Henry Purcell.

Beyond the celebrated composer of opera lies a musician deeply inspired by the dances and songs of his time. Theatre music sits alongside lively hornpipes, jigs, and traditional Scottish and Irish tunes, revealing a Purcell who is vibrant and theatrical.

Joined by guest mezzo-soprano Ilektra Platiopoulou, this programme offers a fresh and intimate portrait of the composer, one whose genius is rooted in the living energy of people.

Performed in the round, you’ll be up close to the musicians as the music of Purcell refracts into songs, dances, and playful rounds.

Programme:
Henry Purcell
Symphony While The Swans Come Forward
Sawney Is a Bonny Lad
Suite de 3 Hornpipes
The Double Dealer
Sophonisba
Sefauchi's Farewell
They tell us that you mighty powers above
The Married Beau
The Virtuous Wife
A New Scotch Tune / A New Irish Tune
Bacchus Is a Power Divine
Apollo's Banquet
Not All My Torments Can Your Pity Move
Oh! How You Protest

Venue Details & Map

Location

Smith Square Hall, London
Sinfonia Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA


Related upcoming events
Bach Orchestral Suites

Bach Orchestral Suites

Concerto Copenhagen | Lars Ulrik Mortensen
  • dateSat, 24 October 2026
  • locationSmith Square Hall, London
  • time7:30pm
  • ticket£25 - £45
  • festivalLondon Festival of Baroque Music
Stylus Phantasticus

Stylus Phantasticus

Concerto Copenhagen | Lars Ulrik Mortensen
  • dateSun, 25 October 2026
  • locationSmith Square Hall, London
  • time2:00pm
  • ticket£15
  • festivalLondon Festival of Baroque Music
A Renaissance Roadtrip

A Renaissance Roadtrip

Stile Antico
  • dateSun, 25 October 2026
  • locationSmith Square Hall, London
  • time7:00pm
  • ticket£25 - £45
  • festivalLondon Festival of Baroque Music
Unaccompanied Bach

Unaccompanied Bach

Charlotte Spruit
  • dateMon, 26 October 2026
  • locationSmith Square Hall, London
  • time1:05pm
  • ticket£8
  • festivalLondon Festival of Baroque Music
John Dowland: Flow My Teares

John Dowland: Flow My Teares

Laurence Kilsby | Yuli Bayeul
  • dateTue, 27 October 2026
  • locationSmith Square Hall, London
  • time7:00pm
  • ticket£20 - £35
  • festivalLondon Festival of Baroque Music
Mad Lover

Mad Lover

Theotime Langlois de Swarte | Thomas Dunford
  • dateWed, 28 October 2026
  • locationSmith Square Hall, London
  • time7:00pm
  • ticket£20 - £35
  • festivalLondon Festival of Baroque Music
Wanderlust

Wanderlust

Ensemble Théodora
  • dateWed, 28 October 2026
  • locationSmith Square Hall, London
  • time9:00pm
  • ticket£15
  • festivalLondon Festival of Baroque Music
Passacaglia

Passacaglia

Matthew Martin
  • dateThu, 29 October 2026
  • locationSmith Square Hall, London
  • time1:05pm
  • ticket£8
  • festivalLondon Festival of Baroque Music
Goldbergs Reimagined

Goldbergs Reimagined

Sinfonia Smith Square
  • dateThu, 29 October 2026
  • locationSmith Square Hall, London
  • time7:30pm
  • ticket£10 - £25
  • festivalLondon Festival of Baroque Music
Shut the Gate Against My Thoughts

Shut the Gate Against My Thoughts

Nardus Williams | Liz Kenny
  • dateFri, 30 October 2026
  • locationSmith Square Hall, London
  • time6:00pm
  • ticket£15 - £20
  • festivalLondon Festival of Baroque Music
Rímur

Rímur

Trio Mediæval | Arve Henriksen
  • dateFri, 30 October 2026
  • locationSmith Square Hall, London
  • time8:00pm
  • ticket£20 - £35
  • festivalLondon Festival of Baroque Music
Bach: Mass in B Minor

Bach: Mass in B Minor

La Nuova Musica
  • dateSat, 31 October 2026
  • locationSmith Square Hall, London
  • time7:00pm
  • ticket£25 - £45
  • festivalLondon Festival of Baroque Music

Don't miss a beat – subscribe today!

Subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter to get the latest concert recommendations, festival updates, artist profiles, and curated playlists delivered straight to your inbox.

Read our latest newsletter.

Help early music flourish!

Donate now to support Continuo Connect. Every contribution helps cover the costs of running this non-profit website, ensuring free access for musicians, festivals and the public.