The English Concert

The English Concert is an outstanding orchestra: exceptional, in the world-renowned quality, ambition, and variety of its live and recorded output; unique, in the zeal of its players for working and performing together; unwavering, in its desire to connect with its audience throughout the world.

Under the artistic direction of Harry Bicket and principal guest Kristian Bezuidenhout, The English Concert has earned a reputation for combining urgency, passion, and fire with precision, delicacy, and beauty.

The orchestra’s artistic partners reflect and enhance its pursuit of new ways to bring music to life. Joyce DiDonato, Dame Sarah Connolly, Iestyn Davies, Alison Balsom, Trevor Pinnock, Dominic Dromgoole, Tom Morris and many others have not only brought their extraordinary skills to individual projects but continue to help The English Concert shape the way it performs.

One cornerstone of the orchestra’s annual cycle is its international Handel Opera tour. Blossoming from an ongoing relationship with Carnegie Hall, and now including seasonal visits to UC Berkeley, the itinerary regularly takes in the Theater an der Wien, Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, the Elbphil­harmonie, and Barbican Hall, and the roster of great halls continues to grow. Meanwhile, the orchestra’s regular London series allows it to explore a radically different path, presenting challenging and inspiring programs to its home audience.

In 2023, The English Concert launched its ambitious Handel for All project, which aims to film and make freely available all of Handel’s works online.