On the evening of March 21, 2026, St Cuthbert’s Church was filled with the music of George Frideric Handel as the Klingen Chamber Orchestra and Choir presented Handel Forever—a thoughtful tribute to one of the Baroque era’s most influential composers. Under the direction of Maestro Sipan Olah, the concert offered both celebration and exploration, featuring accomplished musicians and an audience that included civic and spiritual leaders. This marked the fourth Baroque concert organised by KCCA in central London over four years, continuing the annual tradition of presenting new Baroque programmes.
Handel, the German-born composer who became a central figure in British musical life, left a remarkable legacy, including over forty operas, numerous oratorios, and a wealth of orchestral works. Central to his lasting fame is Messiah, whose combination of spiritual depth and musical clarity continues to resonate today. The evening highlighted Handel’s versatility through a carefully selected programme balancing brilliance, intimacy, and dramatic expression.
The concert opened with a welcome from Father Paul Begot, priest of St Cuthbert’s Church, followed by the lively “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” from Solomon, its bright rhythms establishing an engaging atmosphere. The Klingen Chamber Orchestra responded with clear articulation and dynamic energy, creating a dialogue between precision and expression.
A series of operatic arias followed, each introduced with brief context. Soprano Lussine Levoni, a special guest from Paris, France, performed “Tornami a vagheggiar” from Alcina with technical skill and expressiveness, while tenor Moses Torto conveyed the dramatic intensity of Radamisto, whose commanding performance conveyed the opera’s themes of power and conflict rooted in ancient Armenia during the reign of Tigran the Great. Mezzo-soprano Helen Rotchell offered a reflective interpretation of “Verdi prati”, and Maestro Sipan Olah performed “Ombra mai fu” from Serse with simplicity and warmth. Maria Palazian provided harpsichord accompaniment with the Klingen Chamber Orchestra.
The programme balanced contrast and expression: the spirited “Let the Bright Seraphim” featured soaring vocal lines, while “Lascia ch’io pianga” held the audience in quiet attention. Instrumental highlights included the Concerto Grosso in B-flat major, with violinist Polina Sharafyan and oboist Hagop Mouradian joining the orchestra in elegant interplay. The aria “Prigioniera ho, ma in pena” from Rodelinda, performed by Sipan Olah, portrayed quiet sorrow, and the duet “Traitor to Love” from Samson, performed by soprano Lussine Levoni and tenor Sipan Olah with the Klingen Chamber Orchestra, captivated the audience, showcasing the exceptional talents of both singers.
The first half concluded with choral selections from Messiah, including “And the Glory of the Lord” and the Hallelujah chorus, performed by the Klingen Choir with balanced resonance, demonstrating Handel’s enduring skill in sacred music.
After the interval, the concert shifted to Handel’s ceremonial works. Selections from Water Music flowed with rhythmic vitality, evoking festive scenes on the Thames, followed by the Music for the Royal Fireworks suite, whose textures and celebratory character provided a fitting conclusion.
The concert concluded not only in musical triumph but with words of reflection and unity. The Worshipful Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Tom Bennett, addressed the audience, praising Maestro Sipan Olah for his dedication and hard work in uniting Armenian, British, and other communities through timeless music, celebrating his ongoing contribution to high-standard classical concerts in the borough for over 15 years. He was followed by Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Great Britain and Ireland, whose remarks underscored the spiritual dimension of the evening and the unifying power of music, highlighting the committed work of Maestro Olah and his fellow musicians.
Distinguished guests included London councillors, Simon Daniels of Handel Hendrix House, cultural institution representatives, members of the diplomatic community, and KCCA supporters. Promoted in part by Handel Hendrix House, “Handel Forever” was more than a concert—it celebrated a musical legacy that continues to inspire and connect. In London’s heart, Handel’s music resounded clearly, affirming its lasting place in the world’s cultural heritage.
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