Dear Friends,
We would like to share a few suggestions for September and hope this will inspire you to have a look for yourself.
In North Yorkshire, Medieval Music in the Dales have a September Festival offering a variety of entertainments in and around Castle Bolton: from dance to singing and instrumental workshops to a series of concerts featuring Blondel and The Rose Consort of Viols, among others.
The Queen Victoria’s Consort present another winning combination of historic venues and music, dedicating three days to the sound of Victorian brass instruments in some fascinating venues in the North East. To make a day of it, combine a concert with a visit to an open air museum or stately home.
Musical life in the 18th century Dublin theatre district takes centre stage in the Irlandiani Players’ CD-launch tour, while Saraband present music written for and about ladies from all walks of life, along with their stories and cultural context.
But this is only a small part of what is available on Continuo Connect next month. Do have a look and get inspired!
Tina & the Continuo Team
15th Century Dance 7 September, Reeth, North Yorkshire
An immersive Day of Dance with Gaita, where you will learn about the principles of 15th century Dance as taught by the Italian Masters. Prior knowledge is not required, just bring your best medieval dancing shoes. Gaita is Scotland's specialist medieval music ensemble dedicated to performing their music in a medieval context. This study day is part of the Medieval Music in the Dales festival running until 10th September. Find out more
Victorian Brass 8-10 September, Beamish, Stanhope, Barnard Castle
A North East pilgrimage with Queen Victoria’s Consort, introducing the music and brass instruments from the Victorian age, in settings such as the Bowes Museum, a beautiful French-style manor house, or the Beamish Open Air Museum. Londoners will get a chance to hear them in October. What started as the chance find of a single instrument has led to the formation of an ensemble of expert musicians recreating the sounds of Victorian brass. Find out more
Smock Alley 14, 16 and 17 September, London & Worthing
Irlandiani Players launch their new album ‘Smock Alley’ with atmospheric music from 18th century Dublin, accompanied by projections from shadow puppet artist and animator Matthew Robins. This programme draws inspiration from musical life at the Smock Alley Theatre and its neighbourhood, exploring connections between Italian and Irish musicians working there, with the rich and earthy sound of multiple bass instruments. Find out more
Painted Ladies 24 September, Frome
Saraband specialise in 17th and 18th century music that would have been heard in grand houses, coffee houses, taverns and streets. The music is woven together with entertaining stories and anecdotes that immerse the audience in the wider cultural scene from which the music springs. This concert centres on music for and about a selection of 18th century actresses, courtesans, milkmaids and the Blue Stocking Society. Find out more
“Music is an act of communication. Without anyone listening it doesn’t exist” (conductor Mark Wigglesworth in The Guardian)
Wigglesworth’s take on the famous question posed by 17th century philosopher George Berkeley is a provocative one, but a challenge we are happy to take on in helping to connect musicians with their listeners via Continuo Connect. Please help us spread the word about the site and share this newsletter with your friends.
Check out our monthly Spotify playlist with a selection of recordings by ensembles with UK concerts in September. Have a listen — and then hear them live. You will find all their concert dates listed on www.continuoconnect.com