Salisbury revives 250 year tradition with new music festival this October | Salisbury And Avon

A NEW three-day celebration of early music is coming to Salisbury this October.

Salisbury Musick Festival has been organised by four local musicians who are sharing their passion for music composed before 1775 and performed on period instruments.

Concerts by local ensembles, as well as performances by visiting experts, talks, and events for children will all take place in the city from October 3 to 5.

The new festival pays homage to the city’s cultural and musical history, as Salisbury used to host music festivals from around 1700 to 1780 each year, which featured some of the most prominent musicians of the time.

This includes JC Bach who performed in the city, and the concerts were of national significance, rivalling those taking place in London and Bath.

Nigel Wyatt, one of the organisers said: “After we had planned the dates for the new festival we’re launching, we then discovered that it was almost exactly 250 years to the day that the festival in 1775 happened in Salisbury.

“When we realised this coincidence, we thought it was meant to be.”

Nigel will give a talk as part of the festival, shedding light on the events of 1775 and the history of the music festivals in Salisbury, which were probably the earliest music festivals in the country.

Another organiser, Miranda Dodd, is keen to involve audiences of all ages and experience.

“I love early music, and it’s a joy to share that passion with a wider audience,” she said.

“Inspiring the next generation is especially important to me, which is why we’ve invited young performers to join us in two of our concerts.

“Salisbury has a vibrant music community, and it’s wonderful to see our local performers and visiting experts sharing their expertise with local people and visitors to the city.”

Events include

Candlelit concerts in the medieval hall: With the pace and noise of modern life ever more hectic, these concerts provide an opportunity to step back in time for an hour of sublime, intimate music.

‘Come Heavy Sleep’ will feature soprano, tenor and lute with music of love and longing. The programme will trace the expressive range of early song, from private melancholy to courtly elegance

For ‘Night Music’, Julia Bishop will play solo violin music from the 17th and 18th centuries, including JS Bach, GF Telemann and Heinrich Biber.

Sounds Historical will celebrate women in early music, and will introduce the audience to some remarkable females who left a tangible musical legacy.

The Virtuoso Harpsicord: Internationally acclaimed concert artist David Wright will celebrate the golden age of the harpsichord with dazzling works by baroque giants Bach, Handel and Scarlatti alongside some of their lesser-known contemporaries. The recital will be presented with anecdotes about the composers and musical life at the time.

Gala concert: The finale of the festival will be a performance of Bach’s Mass in B minor, described by many as the greatest choral work ever composed. The concert will bring together Salisbury Baroque and the Farrant Singers with visiting professional players and a world-class team of soloists under the baton of Philip Lawson.

Concerts for tots: Young children are invited to help celebrate all the fun of the festival and explore the wonders of baroque music. The event is led by Alice Poppleton, who grew up in Salisbury and is now working professionally as a musician. She will be assisted by baroque cellist Jacob Garside.

Details and booking information is available at salisburymusick.org.uk.

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