Mahan Esfahani

A radical figurehead for the harpsichord brings to life beguiling music by some of the English Renaissance’s greatest composers. Mahan Esfahani, perhaps today’s best-known harpsichordist, is an eloquent ambassador for the brilliance, beauty and versatility of the instrument. Tonight is a rare chance to hear him conjure up the world of the Elizabethan era, known as the golden age of English music. In music rich with decoration, detail and irresistible rhythmic impulse, the harpsichord’s bite and glitter is impressive, while also intimate in scale. Works by John Bull, John Dowland, Orlando Gibbons, William Byrd and Giles Farnaby, among others, cover a wide range of expression from religious introspection to vigorous dances and ceaselessly inventive variations. This event takes place at the Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall.