Beethoven reputedly described George Frideric Handel as ‘the greatest composer that ever lived’. In this recital, Handel’s music is celebrated by award-winning countertenor Iestyn Davies, Jupiter Ensemble and their director Thomas Dunford. The programme is inspired by their acclaimed album Eternal Heaven.

It includes a wide range of arias from Handel’s much-loved oratorios – large-scale narrative works with biblical and classical themes. Davies demonstrates the dramatic, musical and emotional variety of these masterpieces. He plays the roles of the courageous Roman martyr Didymus, Old Testament heroes Daniel and David, and even the jealous goddess Juno, among others.

Other delights in store include a set of instrumental pieces celebrating the Ancient Greek Muse of Dance, Terpsichore, and an extract from Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne, which pleased the monarch so much that she granted Handel a life-pension.

This concert will be featured on BBC Radio 3 on 9 August.