News from our partners: Ensemble Hesperi come to Shrewsbury School on 21 February

News from our partners Shropshire Music Trust

Ensemble Hesperi present their fascinating specially-curated project “The Pheasant’s Eye: Dancing the Scottish Baroque” at Maidment Hall, Shrewsbury School on Friday 21 February 2020 at 7.30pm.

There will be a Highland Dance Workshop with live music from 5.45pm to 6.45pm, and a pre-talk at 6.45pm.

Ensemble Hesperi

The programme features excerpts from leading Scottish composer James Oswald’s incredible collection of Airs for the Seasons, arrangements of Scots Tunes by Geminiani, Barsanti and William McGibbon, and virtuosic trio sonatas by the many Italians who were popular in eighteenth century Scotland, including Sammartini, Barsanti, and Corelli plus the eccentric Scottish aristocrat, the Earl of Kellie.

Ensemble Hesperi are made up of of Mary-Jannet Leith (recorders). Magdalena Loth-Hill (baroque violin), Florence Pitt (baroque cello), Thomas Allery (harpsichord), with Highland Dancer Kathleen Gilbert.

Kate Hogwood, Director of Shropshire Music Trust, said:

“Award-winning and dynamic period instrumental group Ensemble Hesperi’s unique project showcases the infectious charm and dazzling virtuosity of Scottish Baroque music linked to its roots in Highland dance. Distinctive for its folk influences, soaring melodies and catchy Celtic rhythms, the music of 18th century Scotland has timeless appeal, its ‘fusion’ style inspired both by Italian Baroque fashions and traditional music and dance. Bringing the dance elements to life, the ensemble is joined by international Highland dancer Kathleen Gilbert with special new choreography.”

Growing out of the duo of Thomas & Mary-Jannet (doing Masters at RCM & contributing to the Historical Performance dept), the group have been featured by Classical Music Magazine and Classic FM and are selected as Britten Pears Young Artists for 2020. All work with the well-known established early music groups. 

Tickets online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/smt , by phone from Ticketsource on 0333 666 3366, and also by phone, post and in person from Salop Sheet Music 294 Monkmoor Road, Shrewsbury SY2 5TF – 01743 365561. Email: sales@salopsheetmusic.co.uk  All Box Offices include the excellent multi-purchase Savers and group discounts: any remaining tickets will be sold ‘on the door’. See  www.shropshiremusictrust.co.uk for full details.

Mailing List (postal & email) for full details of all the 2019 /2020 Season events: SMT Freepost SY169, Shrewsbury SY5 6BR, Email:info@shropshiremusictrust.co.uk – or please call 01952 510375.