West Road Concert Hall, 21 Oct 2026
An atmospheric evening of pieces based on ancient Greek myths, with brilliant comedic commentary
Love, loss, deception and revenge… join us for an atmospheric evening of pieces based on ancient Greek myths, interspersed with brilliant comedic commentary from classicist Natalie Haynes, best known for her BBC Radio 4 series Stand up for the Classics.
This performance marks 50 years since the death of composer Benjamin Britten, with sublime mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston the soloist in his late micro-opera Phaedra. The contrasts between Phaedra's disgust at her own obsession with her stepson and the heartfelt expressions of her love for him are darkly and brilliantly conveyed in this condensed masterpiece.
“Hell hath no fury" is also the mood in Charpentier's opera about Medea and Haydn's depiction of Ariadne's abandonment by Theseus, while male protagonists fare better in Stravinsky's ballet music and Woolrich's yearning re-write of a Monteverdi aria.
The stories may be tragic, but in the company of comedian and classicist Natalie Haynes there will be tears of laughter too, with the doomed woman stereotype providing plenty of provocative material.
One of Cambridge’s premier music venues and is part of Cambridge University
11 West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9DP
01223 335 184 / wrch@mus.cam.ac.uk