An evening with Diana Moore and Julian Perkins
An evening of arias and cantatas exploring the triumph of love by two renowned interpreters of Handel’s music.
Julian Perkins
Dubbed ‘‘The Indiana Jones of Early Music’’ by BBC Radio 3, Julian Perkins brings a dynamic and adventurous spirit to all his music-making. Based in the UK and of dual British-Italian citizenship, he enjoys a busy and varied international career as a conductor/director, chamber musician and solo keyboard player. He is Artistic Director of Portland Baroque Orchestra in Oregon, USA, and Founding Artistic Director of Cambridge Handel Opera and the period-instrument ensemble Sounds Baroque in the UK.
Julian has been praised in print as both conductor and keyboard soloist for his ‘‘demonic intensity’’ (BBC Music Magazine Recording of the Month), ‘‘fluid and natural pacing’’ (Gramophone Editor's Choice) and ‘‘verve and suavity’’ (Classical Music), conducting ‘‘as if every bar means the world to him’’ (Opera Disc of the Month), and giving ‘‘performances that reach to the heart of the music’’ (International Record Review). He was shortlisted for the 2021 Gramophone Award for his recording of Eccles’s Semele with the Academy of Ancient Music and Cambridge Handel Opera, and in August 2023 his latest clavichord disc, Handel's Attick, was Instrumental Choice in BBC Music Magazine.
Diana Moore
British mezzo-soprano Diana Moore has established herself as a firm favourite with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, acclaimed for her unique voice which 'combines the range of a mezzo with the tone quality of a contralto' (Gramophone), described by San Francisco Classical Voice as 'warm, plush, full and eminently smooth'. Diana's approach – 'a mixture of intelligence with musicianship [and] emotional depth' (The Guardian) – has led to repeat engagements with many of the world's leading music ensembles, and frequent collaborations with eminent conductors.
A recognised Handelian, Diana has performed roles for many noted opera companies and festivals across Europe. She has also appeared at Baroque Festivals around the World with performances of Handel’s oratorio and choral works, and has performed his Messiah extensively across North America at numerous prestigious venues. Equally adept in later musical styles and genres, Diana has become a leading exponent of English music in oratorio, concert and recital work. She is particularly praised for her interpretations of the music of Edward Elgar.
A critically acclaimed recitalist, Diana is building a reputation for innovative performances which combine carefully curated musical programmes with extended scripted narration. These include A Celebration of Kathleen Ferrier: Her Life, Letters and Music; Wearing the Trousers: the extraordinary women who inspired Handel's travesti roles; and Circles within Circles - the life and music of William Busch.
