This summer, The Octavian Singers, along with a Baroque ensemble, will be performing a semi-staged version of Purcell’s semi-opera King Arthur.

Arthur, King of Britain, and Oswald, King of the Saxons, are at war. Both Arthur and Oswald love the blind princess Emmeline - daughter of Conon, Duke of Cornwall - but she loves only Arthur. There are two sorcerers Merlin and Guillamar (one good, one evil) and two spirits, Philidel and Grimbald (one good, one evil, of course!), all of whom conspire to lead the “goodies” astray or save them when necessary, and freeze then thaw them (with the help of Cupid). There’s a stroll beside a stream, and a rustic scene with shepherds and hay-making (all unnecessary to the plot).

Confused?

With words by Dryden and wonderful music by Purcell, you’ll soon understand the shenanigans in our semi-staged performance. The first performance in 1691 was a triumph, and we are sure you’ll enjoy ours too. The better-known musical highlights are the shivering chorus in the frost scene, the hay-making chorus for tenors and basses, and the famous song Fairest Isle. There are many other lovely solos and duets, all accompanied by harpsichord, Baroque violins and oboes, and directed by Laura Brown.

Come to a comfortable “theatre” at St Mary of Bethany, Woking on Saturday 27th June and be transported into a magical, musical world of myth and legend.