The Gesualdo Six reunite with acclaimed director Bill Barclay for the world premiere of The Death of Gesualdo, a bold theatrical concert exploring the tortured life and music of Renaissance composer Carlo Gesualdo.
Performances take place at St Martin-in-the-Fields on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 January 2026 at 7pm, launching the venue’s 300th anniversary celebrations.
Building on the international success of Secret Byrd, this new work combines six singers, six actors, and a puppet to create living tableaux that illuminate Gesualdo’s psyche and his groundbreaking chromaticism.
Bill Barclay said:
“Gesualdo’s tortured mind led him into a life of violence and suffering, concluding in appalling tales of sorcery and flagellation. However shockingly macabre his biography is, the Prince of Venosa’s malignant narcissism can be traced to key incidents from his upbringing in the zero-sum game of Catholic politics.”
The production opens on Gesualdo’s deathbed and interweaves pivotal moments from his life with some of his most chilling music, promising a visceral ‘Stations of the Cross’ for the composer’s conscience.
Barclay added:
“I want people to hear the brilliance of Gesualdo’s music, but also to feel the immense human suffering that shaped it. This staging seeks to reveal the guilt and retribution woven through his extraordinary music, brought to life by The Gesualdo Six – some of the finest polyphonic singers in the world.”
The creative team includes Olivier Award-winning choreographer Will Tuckett, former Handspring Puppet Company director Janni Younge, and internationally acclaimed costume designer Arthur Oliver.
Commissioned by St Martin-in-the-Fields, The National Centre for Early Music in York, and Music Before 1800 in New York, The Death of Gesualdo will tour the UK and US following its London premiere.
Chris Denton, Chief Executive of St Martin-in-the-Fields, said:
“By bringing together the unparalleled Gesualdo Six and the astonishing creative vision of Bill Barclay, this exceptional work will be a powerful overture to our 300th anniversary celebrations and reflects our enduring commitment to enriching the cultural life of London through bold creativity, and supporting the best possible music making.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
