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, Vache Baroque 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.
For this event, an actor and team of acclaimed musicians will be joined by singers from Vache Baroque’s James Bowman Young Artist programme.
There will also be a pre-concert talk (6.45 – 7.00pm) by Philip Emery, director of 2makeit charity, in Smith Square Hall. 2makeit helps rehabilitate prisoners and ex-prisoners by offering them creative expression through programmes in skills such as music, art and writing. Please also visit the 2makeit exhibition of artworks in the Crypt before and after the concert (open from 5pm to closing).
Exhibition and pre-concert talk are free to attend, no ticket required.
