New Elizabethan Singers; Handel, Dettingen Te Deum

The New Elizabethan Singers May concert features two major 18th century works, one well-known, the other a Covid lockdown discovery by the NES Musical Director Matt Kingston.

Handel's Dettingen Te Deum was written to praise God for the safe return of King George II after leading his forces at the Battle of Dettingen. This was a relatively minor but victorious skirmish by Britain and allies against the French in 1743. Nonetheless, the resounding music shows that Britain was glad to have the King back.

Antonio Lotti was organist and Master of the Chapel Choir of St. Mark's Basilica, Venice from 1719 to 1740, where he composed masses, cantatas and even operas. His works are considered amongst the most important music of the Italian Baroque and were collected by both Handel and Bach. His Gloria in D Major joyously lives up to its title. Remarkably, there's only one recording so its rediscovery is fortunate.

The concert on Saturday, May 13 in St Mary's Church, Bridport, starts at 7pm and the choir will be joined by soloists from Royal Holloway and a full orchestra. Tickets (£15, under 18s free) are available from Goadsby Estate Agents in Bridport or online at ticketsource.co.uk/nes