Conductor

Starring Anton Lesser, A Beautiful Thread weaves Hardy’s life – dramatic as any of his books – with his beautiful poetry and great novels, including Far From the Madding Crowd, Tess of the d’Urbervilles, and Jude the Obscure. Hardy put more music in his work than any other writer, and Orchestra of the Swan’s on-stage musicians weave Hardy’s own words with a dazzling performance of Holst, Purcell, and contemporary folk.

A BEAUTIFUL THREAD: Thomas Hardy in Words and Music

Thorington Theatre

Performed by Anton Lesser, Lucia Bonbright, and Orchestra of the Swan.  

Starring Anton Lesser, A Beautiful Thread weaves Hardy’s life – dramatic as any of his books – with his beautiful poetry and great novels, including Far From the Madding Crowd, Tess of the d’Urbervilles, and Jude the Obscure. Hardy put more music into his work than any other writer, and Orchestra of the Swan’s Artistic Director, David Le Page has devised a musical programme of shimmering beauty – a Mellstock folk band style, that combines West Gallery music with Holst, Warlock and contemporary folk. Adapted by Deirdre Shields, Hardy’s extraordinary writing shines bright as ever.  

A Beautiful Thread: Thomas Hardy in Words and Music

Wilton's Music Hall

It would have represented an extraordinary accomplishment in any era – two string quartets in miraculous synergy weaving eight largely independent lines across four perfectly paced movements – a highlight of a career at the pivotal moment in the history of romantic music. But to achieve this at the age of 16 almost defies belief. 

Conductor

David Le Page

Events

Past events

Jul 18, 2026

A BEAUTIFUL THREAD: Thomas Hardy in Words and Music · Orchestra of the Swan

18 - 20 Sep, 2025

A Beautiful Thread: Thomas Hardy in Words and Music · Wilton’s Music Hall

About

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