Concerto Italiano: Monteverdi’s Madrigals
Be enchanted by Renaissance songs of passion and longing in a rare UK visit from the pioneering ensemble, performing the complete Third Book of Madrigals.
Monteverdi’s music first brought Concerto Italiano to international attention, and it remains at the heart of the ensemble’s work and identity.
Directed by inspirational founder Rinaldo Alessandrini, the group is now recognised as a leading interpreter of Italian early music.
In a rare UK appearance, they perform Monteverdi’s complete Third Book of Madrigals, published in 1592 while the composer worked at the Renaissance court in Mantua.
These intimate songs reveal Monteverdi boldly pushing against the limits of musical expression. Classical poetry and pastoral scenes unfold through audacious harmonies, vivid word-painting and ever-shifting moods.
Passions and torments, betrayals and yearnings emerge with striking immediacy in these a cappella part-songs, which look ahead to the operatic innovations that Monteverdi would unleash in later decades.
With scholarly authority and fiery musical passion, Concerto Italiano shines a bright light on the colours and expressive power of this milestone in Renaissance music.
Performers
Concerto Italiano
Rinaldo Alessandrini director
Repertoire
Monteverdi: Madrigals, Bk.3
Need to know
Times & tickets
Dates, times and prices
Dates & times
04 Dec 2026, 7pm
Run time
1 hour and 15 minutes (approx)
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Standard entry
from £18 + £4 booking fee
Ticket prices may be adjusted without notice to reflect demand.
Concessions
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Refunds and exchanges
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Multi-buy Autumn/Winter 26/27 discount
3 – 4 events: 10% discount
5 – 7 events: 15% discount
8 – 10 events: 20% discount
11 – 14 events: 25% discount
15+ events: 30% discount
Discounts apply to selected events, September 2026 – January 2027 inclusive. Offer can’t be combined with the Spring/Summer 2026 multi-buy.
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For your visit
This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
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The Queen Elizabeth Hall is home to both our second-largest auditorium and the Purcell Room.
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