King Arthur

King Arthur was a legendary king of Britannia whose endeavours and glory have inspired works of art from the mediaeval times to today.

The opera King Arthur, or The British Worthy by Baroque composer Henry Purcell premiered at Queen’s Theatre, London, in the spring of 1691. The production enjoyed great success, as it was performed numerous times and was profitable. The libretto was written by John Dryden who intended it as a political allegory of contemporary power struggle.

Circumstances and political contexts are in constant flux and the great cold wave that conquered the entire Europe at the end of the 17th century has long since abated, but Henry Purcell’s brilliant music is still touching, as are the adventures of the noble-minded Arthur.

Besides musicians, this production involves actors with Raivo E. Tamm in the lead role. The production also encompasses soloists, the opera choir and the symphony orchestra of the Vanemuine Theatre.