Classical Music's Hidden Women Revealed

This autumn, Sky Arts will present two new documentaries, "The Handel Scandal" and "Dangerous Debussy," exploring the lives of iconic classical composers. These films aim to uncover the significant roles women played in the success of George Frideric Handel and Claude Debussy's most celebrated works. "The Handel Scandal," presented by soprano Danielle de Niese, will focus on Handel's oratorio "Messiah" and its connection to the actress Susannah Cibber. "Dangerous Debussy" will examine the composer's complex personal life and the women who supported him. Actor Adeel Akhtar will read Handel's letters, with insights provided by scholars Professor Barbara L. Kelly and Professor Caroline Rae. Pianists Pascal Rogé and Cyrill Ibrahim, along with soprano Eyra Norman, will perform Debussy's music. These productions underscore Sky's dedication to culturally enriching arts content, offered free to UK audiences via the Sky Arts Freeview channel.