Handel Opera Studio presents: Aci by the River

Aci, Galatea e Polifemo HWV 72

Building on the success of the critically acclaimed production of In the Realms of Sorrow, this year the Handel Opera Studio presents Aci by the River, a brand new Handel experience which centres on a new production of the early dramatic work Aci, Galatea e Polifemo. Aci, by the River takes place on the banks of the River Thames in the evocative and visually stunning Trinity Buoy Wharf Lighthouse.

Composed during a trip to Naples, Aci, Galatea e Polifemo is one of Handel’s most emotive and daring works. An ancient Greek tale which portrays the intensity of young love and how it collides with a world which wants to control and destroy it, leading to tragic and heartbreaking consequences. Aci, by the River follows a tradition from Handel’s time where performances were preceded by other forms of entertainment

Critically acclaimed director Jack Furness makes his LHF debut directing a cast of internationally renowned soloists, coming together with the London Handel Orchestra under the expert musical direction of Laurence Cummings.

To reach the venue, audiences are invited to be transported from Central London by boat along the Thames. The boat journey will feature intimate live performances.

For audiences who wish to make their own way to the venue, the closest tube station is Canning Town (Jubilee Line) and from there you will be guided to the venue via a small set of pop-up performances.

Booking is now open. Please visit the ‘What’s On’ page and scroll down to select one of the four dates. You will be asked to book your seat first and on the following page, whether you wish to add the boat trip or not. Please note, the boat trip is a one-way trip only.

Dates and times:

• April 10th: 7.30pm
• April 11th: 7.30pm
• April 12th: 7.30pm
• April 13th: 2.30pm (matinee)

Venue: Trinity Buoy Wharf Lighthouse and Chain Store

Tickets: £20 – £85

Length: 2hrs (2.5hrs including boat trip)

Performers & Creatives

• Aci Mary Bevan
• Galatea Claudia Huckle
• Polifemo Callum Thorpe
• Conductor Laurence Cummings
• Director Jack Furness
• Designer Francis O’Connor
• Movement Director: Rachel Wise
• London Handel Orchestra led by Adrian Butterfield

Priority Booking Dates:

• Director’s Circle Monday 13th November
• Gold Members Wednesday 15th November
• Patrons’ Circle Friday 17th November
• Festival Benefactors Monday 20th November
• Associate Benefactors Wednesday 22nd November
• Friends Friday 24th November
• General Booking Monday 27th November

All priority booking opens from 10am on the respective date