Opera Prelude:Sounds of Seduction: the powerful women of early opera

Julian Perkins (harpsichord), Alice Privett (soprano) and Dr. Anna Beer.

Join us for a quite ravishing mix of words and music.

Prize-winning soprano Alice Privett (accompanied by Julian Perkins on the harpsichord) will take you on a journey from opera’s earliest days through to the eighteenth century, performing well-loved arias from Monteverdi to Handel, but…expect some surprises along the way! Do you know Francesca Caccini’s ravishing version of Alcina or Barbara Strozzi’s groundbreaking musical evocations of desire? Anna Beer, the author of Sounds and Sweet Airs: the Forgotten Women of Classical Music, will be on hand to share their fascinating stories and introduce their gorgeous music.

Described as ‘exuberantly stylish’ by the Sunday Times, Julian Perkins is Artistic Director of Cambridge Handel Opera and Founder Director of Sounds Baroque.

He has conducted staged productions for organisations including the Buxton Festival, Dutch National Opera Academy, Grimeborn Festival, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Kings Place, New Chamber Opera and New Kent Opera.

Anna Beer is a cultural historian and writer as well as Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford. She has recently published a long over-due book: “Sounds & Sweet Airs” celebrating the musical legacy and hidden histories of eight remarkable women composers.

Opera Prelude is a small charity passionate about supporting young professional opera singers who give lecture recitals in London. These friendly and inclusive events will introduce you to the international opera singers of tomorrow by way of recitals, concerts and masterclasses.