Classical music and theatre will beautifully intertwine on stage for a unique experience of ‘The Tempest’ by 17th century English composer Henry Purcell.

Scholars Baroque Aotearoa and NZBarok will bring Purcell’s musical imagining of Shakespeare’s comedy, The Tempest, to life this month.

Audiences will experience the stunning choral sounds upon Purcell’s striking orchestral score inspired by the fantastical world and characters of The Tempest.

Unlike traditional Scholars Baroque Aotearoa’s performances, actors will step into this dramatic and ethereal soundscape.

“It’s quite a multifaceted sort of performance with not just choral and instrumental music, but also acting and scenes from the play which I think is really cool and something really different,” says musical director Chalium Poppy.

Scholars Baroque Aotearoa will perform an enchanting rendition of ‘The Tempest’ and welcome actors to the stage. Photo: Cynthia Qui.

This hybrid style performance will include actors from director Harry Oram’s Apex Performing Arts Academy who will inject dialogue and characters into the evening’s events.

“There’s actually still a strong appetite in New Zealand for Shakespeare’s plays –not just for his plays but for his characters who are very human in the things they experience.

“This is our first attempt at doing something outside of the box so I’m hopeful that we get a good audience and people who are curious.”

Mixing classical music with theatre, Chalium thinks the arts in New Zealand are changing. “I’m happy with that and I’m happy with change.”

The Tempest by Purcell will be held at St Peter's Anglican Church, Mt Maunganui at 7.30pm on Saturday, September 9.

Tickets are available here