Lunchtime Concert: Orpheus Britannicus – a celebration of Henry Purcell

The finest choral music of Westminster Abbey’s most famous organist, Henry Purcell, alongside some of his solo songs as realised by Benjamin
About this Event

Join the St Margaret’s Consort of Westminster Abbey as they celebrate the work of Henry Purcell, organist of Westminster Abbey 1679-1695.

Lamented after his early death as the “Orpheus Britannicus”, Purcell was a composer and performer who excelled in every genre of his day, and prolific in writing for both church and stage.

Our programme presents some of his finest church music, expressive and vivid in its word painting. Purcell’s music for the stage is heard through the lens of Benjamin Britten, two weeks before the 50th anniversary of the latter’s death. Purcell was a major influence on Britten, who took some of Purcell’s solo songs from the stage and adorned them with his own highly imaginative and characterful piano accompaniments.

St Margaret’s Consort is the professional vocal ensemble which provides choral music for the many high-profile services which take place in St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey; in particular, the Consort provides the music for celebrations of the life and works of prominent Parliamentarians, due to the close links St Margaret’s has enjoyed with both Houses of Parliament over the centuries. The altos, tenors and basses of the Consort also sing regularly with the St Margaret’s Choristers.

There is evidence of choral music in St Margaret’s dating back to the church’s consecration in 1523, when prominent Tudor composers Nicholas Ludford and Robert Whyte were closely associated with the church.

The current Consort has its roots in the Choir of St Margaret’s Church which in the past half century has been conducted by, among others, Richard Hickox, Simon Over and Aidan Oliver.

Greg Morris, Conductor, is Director of Music at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, where he oversees and directs the music both in St Margaret’s itself and in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft in the Houses of Parliament. As part of this role, Greg founded and directs the St Margaret’s Choristers, the Abbey’s first girl choristers to take part in its centuries-long tradition of choral worship.

Besides his work at Westminster, Greg is Musical Director of Collegium Musicum of London and Bar Choral Society. With both choirs, Greg performs music ranging from mediaeval to contemporary works, and in particular collaborates with leading soloists and period instrumentalists in the performance of major works from the Baroque and Classical eras.

Greg can be contacted via [email protected] is also an established organist, in which guise he has performed on four continents, broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, and played at the BBC Proms.

Ticketing information:

Concert venue location - This event takes place in St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey. Enter at the main West door.

Access is via the West gate, at left of Westminster Abbey, the main public queue for visitors. Come up the path alongside the Abbey, you'll see St Margaret's Church at the top, enter at the main West door. The Marshal (red cloak) will guide you.

Timings - Doors will open 15 minutes before the concert at 12:45pm and the concert will begin at 1:00pm.

Unreserved seating - Tickets are all one price.

Queue outside - The Marshals and Beadles will admit people in order of arrival

Access and security - Please have your ticket ready to show our staff (either printed or on your mobile phone).

Security check on your arrival - Your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you.

Attendee tickets for young people under the age of 18 are free when accompanied by a ticket holder (Recommend ages 9+)

Age suitability - This event is suitable for adults and young people over the age of 9.

Westminster City Card holders receive 50% discount - see the ‘Culture offers’ on the Westminster City Card scheme website for details.

This event does not include entry to Westminster Abbey.

We recommend looking at the Visit us pages to plan a visit during opening hours. If you would like to look around the rest of the Abbey during your visit then we recommend you do so before you attend the Lunchtime Concert. This is to allow you enough time to see as much as possible.

The Abbey is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events for all. If you have any access requirements or questions about your visit, please contact us when booking. [email protected]

Filming and photography Please note that filming and sound recording are not permitted in St Margaret’s Church. See our photography policy for more information.