Continuo Connect in December
First encounters, Yuletide discoveries and old favourites for this magical time of the year
Dear Friends,
We are happy to report that the new and improved Continuo Connect website went live a few weeks ago without a hitch. And already we can see an increase in users enjoying the new Features page, checking out artist profiles and finding nearby concerts. We hope you are one of them.
Read about First Encounters in Asia or what the Mandalorian and the Beatles have in common, as told to us by recorder player Heidi Fardell writing about her life in music. Discover Sand Films Music Room, and much more on our Features page. We are also delighted to present a growing list of recordings supported by grants from Continuo Foundation (you might even find a treat for yourself or a special someone).
The Continuo Connect team was at the LIFEM exhibition recently and we can report that the scene was buzzing and vibrant. Instrument makers and music publishers from many countries assembled and the sounds of viols, pipes, recorders, flutes, bassoons and many other wondrous instruments filled the hall. We were there to connect and were not disappointed. We had thought-provoking chats and great feedback, and came back with many new ideas.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6508ee15-4144-4224-8fc7-aa527557961f_1200x1600.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F506a1db1-2779-4419-85f0-ba2ac9b22d92_2794x2794.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0af4c9a8-d11c-496c-837f-98245d11cd65_1344x1600.jpeg)
Meeting instrument makers was inspiring. Highlighting the craftsmanship and the essential role of makers is something we will do more often (finding apprentices seems to be a common problem). At a recent Salon Music recital, hosted by Michelle Berriedale-Johnson, harpsichordist Nathaniel Mander introduced his new spinet, a beautiful copy of a 1753 French instrument made by Andrew Garlick, who was in the audience and spoke about his work.
We imagine quite a few of you will be heading to a Handel Messiah over the coming weeks. Did you know that the first performance of Messiah (in Dublin in 1742) had fewer than 20 singers in the chorus? You can hear Messiah in Manchester, Birmingham or Northampton, Canterbury, and London.
Other holiday favourites include Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in York, his Magnificat in Nottingham and at the Wigmore Hall, or discover more intimate events, some of which we highlight below (and more are being listed every day). Any of these upcoming concerts will get you into the spirit of the season. Wrap up warm and enjoy!
Tina & the Continuo Team
PS Please help us spread the word about Continuo Connect and share this newsletter.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F36296a09-7d6f-423b-ae72-fb4845ec51b2_640x480.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9d31a196-88d5-4be7-b03c-b51e2d7d68e9_640x480.jpeg)
1 December 7:30pm, Whieldon Hall, Matlock
PIVA will perform their popular Yuletide! show, celebrating the festive season with music and songs from Tudor times. Winter in the 16th century could be a harsh time, but the Twelve Days of Christmas were filled with feasting, music, dancing, singing, games and revelry. PIVA captures a flavour of the times. Find out more
2 December 6pm, Lamport Hall, Northampton
Fiori Musical offer a candlelight concert with 18th-century music for baroque oboe and trumpet with voices and organ. Featuring chorale preludes by JS Bach, music by his contemporary Georg Kauffmann (his rival for the Kapellmeister post in Leipzig) and pupils Ludwig Krebs and Gottfried Homilius. Hauntingly beautiful, reflective music performed in one of Northamptonshire's finest historic house. Find out more
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F06150af2-abb4-40bd-b711-2242521e9f6e_2048x1366.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F37c3a7df-e8a0-424f-b386-c47ffcfa25bf_1542x2048.jpeg)
8 December 7pm, The National Centre for Early Music, York
In the summer of 1660, London’s theatres were finally able to open again after 18 long years of puritan rule. This extraordinary time led to a theatrical revolution and a new English baroque music exemplified by Henry Purcell. Ceruleo present a programme of restoration English music, encompassing Purcell’s famous and lesser-known works and pieces by John Blow and John Eccles, bringing to life the joy and excitement that came from a return to live performance 350 years ago. Find out more
13 December 7:30pm, St John’s Smith Square, London
Vache Baroque singers and the award-winning ensemble La Vaghezza unite to celebrate the Hanukkah story and mark 400 years since Salomone Rossi published his groundbreaking 'The Songs of Solomon.' Hebrew psalm settings by Rossi will be coupled with works setting the same texts by contemporaries such as Schütz, Cavalli, and Purcell. From solo lute songs and instrumental improvisation to expansive double-choir textures, this will be an evening of passionate contrasts. Find out more
Check out our monthly Spotify playlist with a selection of recordings by ensembles with UK concerts in December. Have a listen — and then hear them live. You will find all their concert dates listed on www.continuoconnect.com