FOCUS ON WESTERN CLASSICAL MUSIC COMPOSERS

Handel, The Conquering Hero (UK) | (58 min; 2017; English)

Director: Andy King-Dabb
Presented by Charles Hazlewood

Conductor Charles Hazlewood explores the glorious music of George Frideric Handel (1685-1759), who made his home in Britain and became a celebrity and national icon in the process.

Millions across the world heard Handel's 'Zadok the Priest' when Elizabeth II was crowned Queen at Westminster Abbey in 1953, but he was immensely popular in his own lifetime too, as his memorial in Westminster Abbey shows. World-renowned soloists Danielle de Niese and Ian Bostridge join Charles Hazlewood's ensemble, Army of Generals, in some of the best-loved music in our history.

The Foundling Hospital Museum and Handel's birthplace in Halle are two of the many places Charles visits to explore the stories behind this fascinating composer who has had such a profound influence on our cultural heritage.