In 1895, Oscar Wilde, one of the great wits and personalities of the 19th century, was sent to prison for what was deemed the “gross indecency” of his sexuality.

Taking inspiration from the ‘De Profundis’ (‘Out of the deep’) letter which Wilde wrote during his incarceration, we will explore themes of love, isolation, and redemption in an absorbing journey of words and music. Poetry and prose from the 17th century to the modern day, including extracts from Wilde’s introspective masterpiece, will be interspersed with solo songs by Henry Purcell and two deeply searching ‘De profundis’ psalm settings by Johann Sebastian Bach and Bohemian composer Jan Dismas Zelenka.

PROGRAMME
John Wilbye - Ye that do live in pleasures plenty
Henry Purcell -Sweeter than roses
Jehovah quam multi sunt hostes mei - In the black dismal dungeon of despair
Jan Dismas Zelenka - De Profundis, ZWV 97
Hans Leo Hassler - Mein G’müt ist mir verwirret
J.S Bach - Aus der Tiefen rufen ich, Herr, zu dir, BWV 131
Johannes Brahms - Herzlich tut mich verlangen
Andre Campra - De Profundis, Requiem

PERFORMERS
For this event, an actor and team of acclaimed musicians will be joined by emerging singers from our JBYAP.

Soprano Betty Makharinsky
Countertenor Alexander Chance
Tenor Guy Cutting
Baritone Malachy Frame
Bass Jonathan Howard

Conductor Jonathan Darbourne
The Vache Baroque Band