Purcell’s Lament, July 2026

The Paragon Singers, St. Swithin’s Church, Bath

The world premiere of an ambitious new work that tells the story of Henry Purcell’s life and art in the form of his funeral wake, with an original script by screen and stage writer Stewart Harcourt framing music running the gamut of Purcell’s vocal output. Purcell’s Lament creates a rich, immersive performance experience for audiences that is somewhere between a staged concert, operatic masque, and a theatre piece.

It was an absolute pleasure to help shape this new piece and work so closely with music director Sarah Latto, and writer Stewart Harcourt, in bringing their vision to fruition. Written for the 50th anniversary year of the Paragon Singers (some of the founder members of whom are still singing with them today!), the choir were joined by two operatic soloists playing Henry and Frances Purcell, a boy treble playing the young Purcell, and a professional baroque orchestra of 12 players. It was extremely moving for me to see how totally committed the choir were to the project, and how their multifaceted efforts were reflected in their superb final performances, all the more remarkable as many of them were acting on stage for the first time. I sincerely hope that this powerful piece will have a continuing future with the Paragon Singers, or further afield. You can read audience reviews below.

Direction and Design: Guido Martin-Brandis; Writer: Stewart Harcourt; Associate director: Malika Rosalind; Masks: Alexander McPherson; Graphic Design: Becky Haystar; Production photographer and Videographer: Max Bandicoot

Henry Purcell - Kieran Rayner

Frances Purcell - Rhiannon Llewellyn

Young Purcell - Oberon Llewellyn

Choir - Paragon Singers

Music Director - Sarah Latto

Audience reviews (more below)

“Imaginative staging, fantastic soloists and musicians, the choir were brilliant, great narrative, moving and emotional. A wonderful experience.”

“Glorious, imaginative, professional, riveting, superb production, excellent performances”

“Innovative, memorable and riveting from start to finish.”

“Tremendously evocative and very moving.”

“The whole event was wonderful. Imaginatively conceived and portrayed with superb singing and acting.”

“Wonderful ensemble singing, narrating and performing. Excellent orchestra. Outstanding soloists and an intelligent and beautifully devised programme, beautifully staged.”

“Excellent vocal and musical performances and clever choreography. Moments of levity and moments of great poignancy. I felt you did justice to the power and beauty of Purcell's music.”