The autumn series of Baroque Soirées will open with a programme dedicated to the diverse musical landscape of the British Isles. It will showcase traditional Irish, Scottish and Welsh music, which also influenced art music. The programme will centre on the legendary Irish harpist and composer Turlough O’Carolan, whose work drew on distinctive Irish melodies and lively rhythms. The Scottish section will be characterised by expressive dance rhythms and ancient melodies.

During the 18th century, Italian violin virtuosos spread their mastery throughout the courts of the nobility and major musical centres across Europe. Their style inspired local musicians and helped shape the European concert repertoire. Let us set off on this exciting journey together with them. Our musical journey will be enhanced by a vivid reading about a trip through Italy undertaken in 1739 by the French nobleman Charles de Brosses.

The Christmas concert will bring together the works of two great masters of sacred music – Johann Sebastian Bach and Jan Dismas Zelenka. The works of both composers clearly reflect the influence of various national traditions, as well as a masterful musical expression of the hope and joy of the Christmas story.

The evening’s programme will be framed by Zelenka’s festive works Lauda Jerusalem and Magnificat in C major, whilst Bach’s arias from his famous Christmas Oratorio and Magnificat will evoke a pastoral idyll and divine solace.