(Credit: Chris Lee)

The English Concert has announced the program for its summer of concerts, with a focus on the works of Handel.

The summer program will open with “La Resurrezione” on May 3, 2021. Presented and sponsored by the KT Wong Foundation, the production is filmed at St John Smith’s Square in London. Conducted by Harry Bicket, the soloists include Lucy Crowe, Danielle de Niese, Larence Zazza, Hugo Hymans, and Brindley Sherratt. It will be broadcasted on Sky Arts, and later made available to stream globally through associated channels.

On May 14, The English Concert will release “Rodelinda,” on Linn Records, which will mark the first work it has done from the composer since the new partnership. While TEC’s tour of the work was canceled last year due to Covid, the company retained its roster of distinguished artists for this recording, including Iestyn Davies, Lucy Crowe, Joshua Ellicott, Tim Mead, Brandon Cedel, and Jess Dandy.

On June 19, TEC will present “Amadigi” in another new partnership with Garsington Opera. Netia Jones and Christian Cumyn serve as director/designer and conductor, respectively. Sonja Runje will make her festival debut in the title role, with the cast including Anna Devin, Rhian Lois, and Tim Mead. There will be performances on June 19, 26, 29, and July 7,11, 21, and 24.

On June 24, the company will present “Handel’s London Altos,” a concert which comes in collaboration with London Unwrapped and conductor Peter Whelan. The program will take audiences through different London venues such as opera theatres, churches, and private homes, where the music of Handel has been played and enjoyed for ages. Iestyn Davies will perform selections from operas such as “Giulio Cesare,” and “Alcina,” oratorios such as “Theodora,” as well as anthems, pastorals, and cantatas.

Finally, on July 23, Elizabeth Watts will direct the company for the first time in a program of arias from Scarlatti’s operas, and showcase the orchestra’s string section with Vivaldi’s “Concerti L’estro Armonico Op. 3.”