Categories: London Travel Guide

Handel and Hendrix in London: What’s On and Why You Should Visit

London has seen its fair share of talented visitors from foreign shores take up residence, drawn by its creativity and effervescent atmosphere. But it’s not often that you can get some real insight into two such people – both certifiable genii’s in their own right – at the same place.

But that’s just what you can do if you make the short trip from Montcalm hotel London to Handel and Hendrix in London. Whether you’re a fan of classical music or the guitar-melting virtuosity of Hendrix, this is one place that should be on your ‘Must Visit’ list.

What’s On

Because Handel and Hendrix, understandably, place such a strong emphasis on the music of all kinds, there are always recitals, performances, and workshops going on. And it’s fitting that the homes of two such pre-eminent musical titans should have music surrounding them even now.

As for right now, there are a couple of great performances in September that you will want to check out. And you won’t have to miss them when staying at one of our many boutique hotels in London.

First up is ‘Passion and Power’ on the 18th of September. Featuring a duo of tenor – Richard Robbins and harpsichord -Nathaniel Mander, Passion, and Power is a run-through of both Italian and French baroque music. But this isn’t just a straight-up recital, because the focus here is on exposing the often strained and challenging relationship between politics and music – something Mr. Hendrix was no stranger to himself.

A little later in the month – on the 25th of September – is ‘A German Immigrant in London’. The performance, as one might guess, was inspired by Handel’s experiences as a German man working and living in the capital. Performers Joanna Harries – mezzo-soprano and Will Vann – harpsichord, have put together a musical trip across 18th century Europe, with pieces from Handel himself, Vivaldi, Purcell, and Scarlatti.

Why You Should Visit

Aside from the fact that the museum is a quick journey from the Montcalm hotel London, there are plenty of reasons to visit Handel and Hendrix in London.

The museum – although it feels a disservice to call it that – is truly unique in that it brings together two men separated by centuries and musical expression into a cohesive, engaging experience. It’s almost mind-boggling to think of Handel composing his most celebrated works, and then, 200 years later, Jimi Hendrix was sitting just next door and pushing his music into bold new realms. And Handel and Hendrix does a great job of telling two very different stories but knitting them together with a common thread of borderline musical obsession.

It’s a strange but fantastic feeling knowing that you’re standing in the very rooms where both Handel and Hendrix toiled, worked, and sometimes struggled to find the right expression for their talents. People always want to know how a genius does what they do so well, and Handel and Hendrix give unparalleled insight into the interior worlds of both men.