Haydn and Bell

Due to the continued uncertainty posed by COVID-19 restrictions in New South Wales, the Australian Haydn Ensemble's performance of Haydn and Bell on Monday 30 August has been cancelled.

This exciting new theatrical production by Bell and Australian Haydn Ensemble brings to life a set of early 19th century fictional letters in a new production that is part drama, part performance. Set in Vienna, Bell’s monologue embodies the nameless letter writer and his performance is interwoven with selections of Haydn’s music performed by AHE. This project is sure to be a thought-provoking experience that will transport audiences to another time and world.

Although not entirely factual, the letters are considered to be a significant insight into 18th century culture. They were published by the 19th century French Romantic novelist Marie-Henri Beyle under the pseudonym of ‘Stendhal’. Beyle is best known for his novels Le Rougeet le noir (1830; The Red and the Black) and La Chartreuse de Parme (1839; The Charterhouse of Parma). ‘Stendhal’s’ collected letters are thought to be largely copied from other authors of the time including Giuseppe Carpini. Published initially in the early 19th century as the Life of Haydn: In a Series of Letters Written at Vienna, they present a fictional account based on Haydn's life in a beautiful narrative style that transports the reader to Haydn’s side in post-revolutionary and post-Napoleonic Europe. Told through the eyes of a fictional friend and admirer of Haydn, the letters to ‘Louis’ begin with a vivid “description of Haydn's residence—of his appearance in his old age—of Vienna, and the Prater—character of the society of Vienna”, and go on to trace Haydn’s humble beginnings as a struggling artist and the son of a rural cartwright, and his rise to become the most famous composer of the late 18th-century.

Bell and AHE bring Stendhal’s account to life along with other historical material including Haydn’s own letters in a new script by Rachel McDonald.

Get $25 off your ticket purchase with Dine and Discover NSW

The NSW Government has launched Dine & Discover NSW to encourage the community to get out and about, to support dining, arts and recreation businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. 

Use your Discover Voucher when booking over the phone or in-person at our box office to get $25 off your next ticket purchase.  

Terms and conditions can be found on the Service NSW app.

Visitor Safety Information

Before you arrive at City Recital Hall, familiarise yourself with our new venue protocols here.

Please do not attend this event if you are feeling unwell. If you have tickets and are no longer able to attend:

• View our updated Terms & Conditions 
• Visit www.health.gov.au for the latest advice and information about COVID-19
• Contact the Coronavirus Information Line 1800 020 080 for any health enquiries

Details correct at the time of publication.

• Program

  Selected movements of Haydn's music

• Artists

  John Bell

  Actor

  Skye McIntosh, Matthew Greco, Karina Schmitz, Daniel Yeadon

  AHE Musicians

  Skye McIntosh and Rachel McDonald

  Concept

  Rachel McDonald

  Script and Adaptation