June 10th 3pm – Ad Hoc Baroque
The Grand Tour, perhaps the equivalent of the modern gap–year, took the wealthy to visit major European cultural centres. Led by their tutors (often referred to in a rather derogatory fashion as “bear leaders”) these young men (and it was usually young men) would visit galleries and attend concerts, accept introductions to various persons of note (and some considerably less noteworthy) with a view to broadening their education, language skills and making useful connections in business or politics.
However such travels were not limited to the aristocracy, as trade and the Arts frequently crossed the Chanel, with skilled craftsmen, painters, performers and composers seeking employment at the English court or with other wealthy patrons.
The programme presents a snapshot of this lively interchange of musical culture in a programme featuring chamber music performed in England but illustrating the influences of such fashionable travels on repertoire and style. Each section will be introduced with readings reflecting a contemporary view of 18th century travel and travellers.
Refreshments will be available both before and after the concert.