Beijing audiences were treated to a night of Baroque brilliance on Tuesday, as a concert version of George Frideric Handel’s opera Rinaldo was performed at the Zhongshan Park Concert Hall. The world-renowned English Concert, celebrated for its historically informed performances, presented the masterpiece under the baton of harpsichordist and conductor Harry Bicket. Chinese countertenor Liu Shen joined several outstanding young international singers, delivering a performance that vividly revived the spirit of 18th-century opera.
Known for its authentic approach using period instruments, the English Concert has long been regarded as one of the world’s premier Baroque ensembles. Its collaboration with the Beijing Music Festival follows previous acclaimed productions such as Orfeo, enriching Chinese audiences’ appreciation for the origins of opera.
After the performance, audience members lingered to share their impressions. "The harpsichord’s sound instantly transported me back in time," one Baroque enthusiast said. Another added, "Three hundred years later, Handel’s sorrow still feels timeless. That’s the magic of true classic beauty."
