When London's theaters reopened under Charles II, Shakespeare came back with music woven through the plays, and Henry Purcell and his peers turned the dramas into song-and-dance spectacles. Rachel Podger, one of the world's leading baroque violinists, directs Juilliard's period-instrument orchestra alongside student singers and actors to bring that hybrid back to life. If you love early music or Shakespeare, this is a rare staging of both at once.
What to expect
Expect a period-instrument orchestra with gut strings and baroque winds, songs and dances interleaved with spoken scenes, in the warm acoustic of Alice Tully Hall. It is part of Juilliard's Fall Festival.
Good to know
- Alice Tully Hall is at Broadway and 65th Street; take the 1 to 66 St–Lincoln Center.
- Book through Juilliard's box office; Fall Festival programs can sell out.
- Actors from Juilliard Drama perform scenes alongside the music.
- The hall is wheelchair accessible.
- Arrive a little early; Lincoln Center plaza traffic is heavy on busy concert nights.
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Common questions
What is Juilliard415?
Juilliard's historical performance orchestra, playing on period instruments.
Who is Rachel Podger?
A renowned British baroque violinist who directs this program.
What music is on the program?
Music from Restoration-era London theater productions of Shakespeare, including works by Henry Purcell and his contemporaries.
