Johannes sings the role of Tom Jones

The great Henry Fielding (1707-1755), novelist, satirist, playwright, and founder of the Bow Street Runners, lived in Barnes – in a house that still stands by Barnes Pond – and worshipped at St Mary’s, the church where this special musical celebration of his most famous novel is being performed.

Henry Fielding published The History of Tom Jones in 1749.  In 1907, the British composer Edward German (1862-1936), best known for Merrie England, turned the story into a popular comic opera.

For the Barnes Music Festival, Gyles Brandreth is bringing Henry Fielding back to Barnes, retelling the story of Tom Jones in Fielding’s own words, while maestro Stefan Bednarczyk, is bringing Edward German’s opera back to life, with choruses from the English Chamber Choir and a cast of professional soloists.