In the summer of 1660, London’s theatres were finally able to open again after 18 long years of puritan rule. This extraordinary time led to a theatrical revolution and a new English baroque music exemplified by Henry Purcell, born just a year before the restoration of the monarchy. Known as the ‘English Orpheus’, Purcell brought together continental musical innovations with the English language, creating works capable of expressing romance, tragedy and comedy to an extent that remains unsurpassed. Ceruleo have devised a programme that runs the gamut of restoration English music, encompassing some of Purcell’s most famous pieces alongside his lesser-known works and those by John Blow and John Eccles. We celebrate the first female stars of the English stage, the rich instrumental textures of the period and the Italian and French influences on this incredible music, bringing to life for new audiences the joy and excitement that came from a return to live performance 350 years ago.

‘Emily Owen and Jenni Harper control the waves of ecstasy with technical aplomb and conviction.’ BBC Music Magazine