Players of The Hampstead Collective: “Agrippina’s Betrayal”
Formed in 2020 by Jacob Garside as a response to the devastating effects of the global pandemic on musicians’ livelihoods, the Hampstead Collective was able to offer support to musicians at a time of immense financial insecurity. They continue to play monthly in Hampstead Church and further afield.
Rebecca Hardwick (soprano) Jacob Garside (cello, viola da gamba) and the Players of the Hampstead Collective will perform Agrippina’s Betrayal; a programme centred round Handel’s Cantata of 1707 “Agrippina a condotta a morire”
Inspired by the tragic story of Agrippina’s fate, (which Handel later expanded in 1709 into a full scale opera), this cantata is distinctive in its devoted exploration of Agrippina’s perspective and the ensuing personal strife. In addition works by Handel’s German predecessors; Kuhnau, Schutz and Buxtehude offer insight to earlier Lutheran perspectives on these themes.
Tickets (£22) can be bought either at the door or via: Worcestershire Early Music
Living History 2026
All day, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February 2026 | The Commandery
Come face to face with the past at The Commandery’s biggest weekend of the year! ⚔️
Explore living history encampments and watch marvellous military displays at Worcester’s historic Commandery.
The site will be alive with performances by musicians and dancers, and you can learn about traditional crafts too.
Encounter reenactors throughout the beautiful Grade-1 listed building and gardens, where they’ll be demonstrating and displaying historical weaponry.
A full schedule will be available before the event.
Living History 2026 is organised in partnership with The Worcester Re-enactors.
Plan your visit
Opening hours
- Saturday 21 February, 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)
- Sunday 22 February, 10am – 4pm (last entry 3pm)
Admission
Usual admission applies; free admission to those with a season or residents’ pass. Find out more.
Advance booking is not essential, you can just turn up, pay in the shop, and enjoy!
While you’re here…
See how many things you can tick off The Commandery’s top 10 highlights list!
DURUFLÉ - REQUIEM
REQUIEM AND ENIGMA VARIATIONS IN STORE AT MAJOR CATHEDRAL CONCERT FROM TOP COUNTY CHOIR
A choral and orchestral spectacular is coming to Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 22 November, featuring the glorious sound of 140 voices and a symphony orchestra – with favourite works by composers Elgar, Duruflé, Haydn and Boulanger all on the bill.
The season-opening evening concert is being presented by the region’s leading large classical choir, Worcester Festival Choral Society.
It includes the ethereal Requiem by French composer Maurice Duruflé, widely considered one of the finest works in the choral repertoire. Written in 1947 it blends the silken tones of Gregorian chant with the rich harmonies of French impressionistic music, creating a luscious musical experience that stirs the soul.
There’s also an unmissable orchestral treat to savour – Sir Edward Elgar’s beloved Enigma Variations, including the deeply emotional ‘Nimrod’. Completing this musical feast are two more choral gems: Haydn’s dramatic motet, Insanae et Vanae Curae, and Boulanger’s mystical Vieille Prière Bouddhique (Old Buddhist Prayer.
Choral Society chairman Susan White said: “There’s no other experience like hearing a large, top quality choir sing such incredible classical music in a setting like Worcester Cathedral. Our Society has been bringing the ‘choral greats’ to Worcester for 164 years – in fact, in the 1890s we were often conducted by Elgar himself – so this will be an especially exciting concert to open our 2025-26 season. It’s one not to be missed!”
Appearing alongside Worcester Festival Choral Society are acclaimed soloists Alexis Hutchinson (alto) and Charne Rochford (tenor), as well as the Meridian Sinfonia orchestra. Worcester Cathedral’s director of music Samuel Hudson conducts.
The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets from www.wfcs.online or TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (local call rate).
A Thousand Flexible Ways: Dialogues from the Age of ‘Meraviglia’
Worcestershire Early Music presents: A Thousand Flexible Ways: Dialogues from the Age of ‘Meraviglia’
Sunday, 5 October, 3.30pm
The Old Palace, Deansway, Worcester WR1 2JE
Join us for an atmospheric afternoon of music performed by The Monteverdi String Band (Hannah Ely – voice, Oliver Webber - violin and Toby Carr - lute), a world-class period-instrument ensemble bringing 16th and 17th-century musical treasures to life. Their programme will include works by Monteverdi, Palestrina, Caccini, Sances and the mysterious Carlo G!
Tickets are £20 (free entry to under 18’s) and can be bought at the door or from:www.earlymusic.sumupstore.com