Monday Matinee with Angela Hicks
Jun 2024
"If Love's A Sweet Passion"
If love's a sweet passion, why does it torment? Delve into the delicious agony of love, through the works of Henry Purcell, Barbara Strozzi, G. F. Handel and more.
Angela Hicks
Lancastrian soprano Angela Hicks has established herself at home and abroad as an early music specialist. With a love for the Folk, Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque genres, Angela is an exciting singer and rising star.
In 2020 Angela made her operatic debut as Cupid in Handel's Semele on stage at the world-famous La Scala, Milan, conducted by John Eiilot Gardiner and directed by Thomas Guthrie. She has also had the pleasure of singing in prominent venues such as the Wigmore Hall (London), The Palace of Versailles (France), Vienna Konzerthaus, Berlin Philharmonie, La Scala (Milan) and Palau de la Música (Barcelona) to name a few.
Other operatic highlights include the title role of Alcina in Brighton Early Music Festival’s filmed production of Francesca Caccini’s La Liberazione di Ruggiero; La Statue in Rameau’s Pygmalion as part of Brighton Early Music Festival, and the roles of Hébé and Phani in Ensemble Orquesta’s production of Les Indes Galantes. It has been noted that her performance of early opera stands out, because she is so informed and inspired by the music from centuries before.
With a passion for early music naturally Angela has sung with many leading UK ensembles including The Monteverdi Choir, Ex Cathedra, Tenebrae, the King’s Consort, and the Academy of Ancient Music. It has also led her to the ‘Big Screen’ where she can be seen singing Purcell’s ‘Musick for a while’ in the film 'The Favourite', directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, alongside Emma Stone and Rachael Weisz and Oscar winner Olivia Coleman.
As a recording artist, Angela has recorded an album with Fair Oriana, a Soprano Duo Angela founded with Penelope Appleyard. The Duo is building a flourishing portfolio of concerts and recordings and has been described by Classic FM as ‘pure vocal beauty'. She has also recorded on numerous albums with Joglaresa, the Monteverdi Choir with their record label Soli Deo Gloria and as a soloist in the Bach Cantata BWW 151.
Angela had the great fortune of singing for many years with the renowned Belinda Sykes of Joglaresa, who had an incredible impact on her music-making. Angela has also had the wonderful opportunity of working alongside singers such as Emma Kirkby, who has influenced Angela tremendously.
Kristiina Watt
Lutenist Kristiina Watt enjoys a busy concert schedule in the UK and abroad, performing on a variety of lutes and early guitars. Kristiina collaborates regularly with singers accompanying soloists and ensembles. She is a member of Ensemble Pro Victoria and The Queenes Chappell and works with many other ensembles as a guest player (The Marian Consort, Musica Secreta, Vache Baroque). As a chamber musician, recent concerts include performances with Rachel Podger, the Illyria Consort and a chamber programme tour with Academy of Ancient Music. She plays regularly with ensemble The Portrait Players and in a duo with violinist Sophia Prodanova. As an orchestral player, Kristiina has performed with many of the leading UK orchestras in historical performance and beyond. www.kristiinawatt.com