For the second of our winter series, we turn to the second half of the 17th century and that of Henry Purcell whose songs remained unsurpassed in Britain for over two hundred years. Spanning his short creative life, Purcell’s songs appeared repeatedly throughout his life. In between his Odes, the semi-operas and instrumental music lies a profusion of wonderfully intimate and occasionally explicit songs. Clearly written for his friends, the texts feature both Shakespeare and Dryden amongst others. In 1698, three years after his death, his songs were published complete in Orpheus Britannicus.

Hallelujah—Washington, D.C.’s glorious holiday tradition returns! Composed in 1741, Handel’s Messiah is as magnificent today as it was more than 280 years ago, inspiring joy and wonder from both first-time listeners and those who return each season.

Ton Koopman, “one of the most daring and imaginative musicians in the world of early music” (Bachtrack), conducts the larger-than-life oratorio in a festive concert featuring four talented soloists and the University of Maryland Concert Choir.