May – August 2015 Live Music, Events & Exhibitions www.handelhouse.org
Season Highlights
Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated
1
THE THIEF, THE PRIEST, AND THE LOVER
Ballo Baroque returns with a lecture-recital focusing on the life and works of Venetian composer Giovanni Ruggieri. Page 4
BHS HARPSICHORD MASTERCLASS Nathaniel Mander will guide and tutor a new generation of harpsichordists. Page 5
2
Booking line: 020 7399 1953
3
HANDEL HOUSE SINGERS PERFORM ISRAEL IN EGYPT Take part in a day of music making by rehearsing and performing one of Handel’s greatest biblical oratorios or come along and watch! Page 7
4
‘TO BEHOLD THE WAND’RING MOON’ Come and hear new settings of John Milton’s ‘Sweet Bird’ which will be inspired by Handel’s own from L’Allegro. Page 9
FAMILY EVENT: GLORIOU S GEORGIANS
5
A special event for our younger visitors featuring Terry Deary author of Horrible Histories. Page 11
www.handelhouse.org | 2 | Booking line 020 7399 1953
Director’s Welcome With 2015 well underway, Handel House will face its most exciting and challenging period over the course of the year as plans gather pace to develop and improve the museum. We will continue as normal, welcoming visitors and concert-goers alike but we advise that you visit our website or call the office before your visit, particularly visitors who require level access to the historical rooms. More information can be found on page 15 or by calling 020 7495 1685. We always look forward to the May to August concert season as it includes the culmination of some key collaborations taking place at the museum. Highlights include our inspiring work with the Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB) nurturing young composers (see page 9); we welcome back the brilliant Laurence Cummings who will guide Handel House Singers through a day of rehearsals ending with a performance of Israel in Egypt and the obligatory glass of wine for Dutch courage (page 7); and of course, our ongoing relationship with the British Harpsichord Society. This season their, and Handel House, regular Nathaniel Mander presents a masterclass for young aspiring harpsichordists, be sure to be the first to see stars of the future (page 5).
Front cover - John Rocque’s map of London, 1746
This season we say farewell to one exhibition – A Year in the Life of Handel: 1738 – and welcome another Handel: A Life With Friends. It is based on Dr. Ellen T Harris’ latest book exploring Handel’s social circle. It will offer a different perspective on the great but elusive man whose personal life still remains a mystery (page 13). For guidance on what to book for see our season highlights opposite.
www.handelhouse.org | 3 | Booking line 020 7399 1953
May 2015
Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated
Booking line: 020 7399 1953
HIDDEN ARCHITECTURE Thursday 7 May, 6.30-7.30pm Violin quartet Contrapunctus IV reveal the hidden architecture of JS Bach’s landmark compendium Well-Tempered Clavier alongside Telemann’s revolutionary concertos for four violins. George Clifford, Anne Marie Christensen, Judy Taylor and John Bowker perform.
BHS RECITAL: A WELL-TEMPERED ASSORTMENT Tuesday 12 May, 6.30-7.30pm Harpsichordist David Gerrard performs a selection of Preludes and Fugues from Book II of JS Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, interspersed with works by Georg Böhm, Johann Pachelbel and Louis Couperin.
THE THIEF, THE PRIEST, AND THE LOVER Thursday 14 May, 6.30-7.30pm The Venetian composer Giovanni Ruggieri, who stole money to fund his first opera, was an influence on Vivaldi. Music of these men will be explored including the famed aria ‘Sorge l’irato nembo’ from Orlando furioso. Ballo Baroque perform, and are Randall Scotting (countertenor), Yu-Wei Hu (baroque flute), John Crockatt (baroque violin), Pia Pircher (viola da gamba) and Marie van Rhijn (harpsichord).
Pick up a Family Trail designed for our younger musical visitors to explore the museum and discover the life of the great composer Handel
www.handelhouse.org | 4 | Booking line 020 7399 1953
May 2015
Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated
Booking line: 020 7399 1953
LONDON SONATAS Thursday 21 May, 6.30-7.30pm
BACH TO COUPERIN Thursday 28 May, 6.30-7.30pm
Nicolette Moonen (violin) and Medea Bindewald (harpsichord) celebrate the 250th anniversary of the BachAbel concert series, founded in 1765, by presenting a programme of intimate chamber music featuring Carl Friedrich Abel, Johann Christian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Kelway and newly discovered music by Jacob Kirkman.
All the way from France, Robin Pharo (viola da gamba) and Ronan Khalil (harpsichord) of Ensemble Desmarest present a programme that explores the masterful work of François Couperin’s 1728 suites alongside JS Bach’s Sonata No.2 in D Major and Sonata No.6 in D Major, both important composers for the viola da gamba and continuo repertoire.
BHS HARPSICHORD MASTERCLASS Saturday 30 May, 2-3.30pm The British Harpsichord Society welcomes a new generation of harpsichordists to an afternoon masterclass with Nathaniel Mander. It is a chance to delve into the expressive and inspiring world of the beautiful Ruckers style harpsichord housed at the museum. Tickets: £12, £6 students
COMPOSITION-IN-PROGRESS Sunday 24 May, 2-3pm Every year, Handel House commissions its Composerin-Residence to write a new piece of music inspired by Handel and his House. Edwin Hillier, the current Composer-in-Residence Apprentice, will present his work in progress, discuss the processes he goes through to compose a new piece and consider Handel’s composition process in comparison. This level of exposure into the creative process of writing music is a rare treat and will appeal to both musical enthusiasts and students alike. Tickets: £6.50
www.handelhouse.org | 5 | Booking line 020 7399 1953
June 2015
Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated
Booking line: 020 7399 1953
THE À LA MODE MUSICIAN Thursday 4 June, 6.30-7.30pm ARCATA à la mode present a programme of English music written for soprano and bass composed between 1601-1710. It will feature music by Eccles and Clarke from the 1698 publication The à la mode Musician, alongside works by Corkine and Jones, brothers Henry and Daniel Purcell and Italian composer Galli. ARCATA à la mode are Elin Harries (soprano) and Carina Drury (cello).
BHS RECITAL: BOW ENVY Tuesday 9 June, 6.30-7.30pm
A TALE OF TWO CITIES Thursday 18 June, 6.30-7.30pm
Tom Foster (harpsichord) presents a programme of transcriptions for harpsichord by JS Bach, featuring four exuberant examples of his lifelong determination to unleash the harpsichordist from continuo servitude. Concerto formats are also explored in arrangements of violin concertos by Vivaldi and Telemann.
In this programme harpsichordist Yeo YatSoon looks at the period leading up to the loss of the British colonies in America and the French Revolution through the music of JC Bach, Balbastre and others.
CEMBALO TRANSALPINO Thursday 11 June, 6.30-7.30pm Catalina Vicens (harpsichord) presents a programme from Italian composers and arrangers of the 16th century and English composers from the virginal school, with special focus on Musica Transalpina, a collection of Italian madrigals published in England in 1588 and some of the earliest keyboard music printed.
www.handelhouse.org | 6 | Booking line 020 7399 1953
June 2015
Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated
HANDEL HOUSE SINGERS: COME AND SING ISRAEL IN EGYPT Saturday 20 June, 10am-7pm After a successful celebration of Handel’s Coronation Anthems last year, Handel House Singers is back! To complement Handel House’s current exhibition, A Year in the Life of Handel: 1738, join in and work through Israel in Egypt, Handel’s great oratorio written in October 1738 for the 1739 concert season. Richly punctuated with beautiful chorus pieces, this oratorio is perfect for choral singers. All singing levels are welcome and familiarity with the music is not necessary; come along and learn! The day will be led by international conductor and baroque specialist Laurence Cummings. Laurence will coach each vocal section in the morning at Handel House and then invite the whole choir to join him and orchestra Belsize Baroque for a full rehearsal and performance at Grosvenor Chapel. Coaching Sections at Handel House 10am: Sopranos 11am: Altos 12.15pm: Tenors and Basses Rehearsal and Performance at Grosvenor Chapel 3pm: Rehearsal 5.15pm: Glass of wine for Participants 6pm: Public performance Tickets: £15, £12 concessions Price includes a glass of wine for participants.
Booking line: 020 7399 1953
HANDEL HOUSE SINGERS PERFORM EXCERPTS FROM ISRAEL IN EGYPT Saturday 20 June, 6-7pm Come and hear excerpts from Handel’s Israel in Egypt sung in the beautiful setting of Grosvenor Chapel. Handel House Singers will be accompanied by baroque orchestra Belsize Baroque and will also feature arias performed by soprano AnaMaria Rincon. The concert will be conducted by early music specialist Laurence Cummings. Venue: Grosvenor Chapel, 24 South Audley Street, London W1K 2PA Tickets: £5 Also available on the door.
IN PERFECT OPPOSITION Thursday 25 June, 6.30-7.30pm John Crockett (violin) and Tom Foster (harpsichord) present violin sonatas by Corelli and JS Bach. Though incomparably different in style, both Bach and Corelli found profound beauty and perfection in their music for violin and harpsichord.
www.handelhouse.org | 7 | Booking line 020 7399 1953
July 2015
Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated
Booking line: 020 7399 1953
THE TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF LOVE Thursday 2 July, 6.30-7.30pm Far from the world of Handel’s opera theatre, Erica Eloff (soprano) and Ars Eloquentiae present a programme of Handel’s intimate chamber cantatas for solo soprano. Youthful instrumental sonatas intersperse this exploration of the theme of unrequited love. Ars Eloquentiae are Leo Duarte (oboe), James Toll (violin) and Chad Kelly (harpsichord).
BHS RECITAL: THE SINGING BROOK Tuesday 14 July, 6.30-7.30pm The enigmatic JS Bach composed some of the most rich, diverse and profound keyboard compositions in western music history. Anhad Arora (harpsichord) performs some of his most beloved works using a delicate performing style aptly named ‘the singing brook’.
‘LIFE AFTER DETH’ Thursday 16 July, 6.30-7.30pm
SOME WEDDINGS AND A FEW FUNERALS Thursday 9 July, 6.30-7.30pm Musicke in the Ayre present 17th century songs accompanied on lute, archlute and bass viol that celebrate marriage and commemorate the departed. The programme will include works by Campion, Coperario, Dowland and Monteverdi. Musicke in the Ayre are Helen Atkinson (soprano), Melissa Scott (mezzo-soprano), Esha Neogy (bass viol) and Din Ghani (lute, archlute).
The bass viol is a versatile solo instrument with its ability to play chords and its cello-like singing quality that is shown in its large and wonderfully expressive repertory. Richard Boothby (viols) presents a programme of evocative solo viol music by Hume, Lawes and Abel.
www.handelhouse.org | 8 | Booking line 020 7399 1953
July 2015
Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated
CHACONNE OU PASSACAILLE Thursday 23 July, 6.30-7.30pm The Chaconne and the Passacaille were two popular styles of music in the baroque period characterised by their repetitive bass lines and extravagant ornamentation. Satoko Doi-Luck (harpsichord) presents a programme that compares Couperin’s Chaconne ou Passacaille, Duphly’s Chacconne and Passacaille from Handel’s G Minor Suite to investigate the distinction of each style.
Booking line: 020 7399 1953
‘TO BEHOLD THE WAND’RING MOON’ Thursday 30 July, 6.30-7.30pm A group of talented young composers explore the use of imagery painted in Handel’s ‘Sweet Bird’ from L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato to create their own setting of the same text by the great poet John Milton. The culmination of a week-long summer school supervised by Composer-in-Residence Edwin Hillier and composer Michael Andrews, the group will present their compositions written for Cathy Bell (mezzo-soprano), Caoimhe da Paor (recorders) and Nathaniel Mander (harpsichord) to perform live in Handel’s performance room. In association with the RNIB.
COMPOSER-IN-THE-HOUSE Follow Edwin Hillier’s time as Handel House Composer-in-Residence Apprentice in our special ‘Composer-in-the-House’ blog. It is a chance for Edwin to share his experiences, influences and the works he will compose during his residency. http://handelhousecomposer.blogspot.co.uk
www.handelhouse.org | 9 | Booking line 020 7399 1953
August 2015
Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated
Booking line: 020 7399 1953
TELEMANN IN PARIS Thursday 6 August, 6.30-7.30pm Telemann was no stranger in Paris when he arrived in 1737 as his music had already been enthusiastically received by prominent musicians of the city. Ensemble de Trianon will present a selection of these pieces alongside music by the very musicians who inspired them. Yu-Wei Hu (baroque flute), Magdalena Loth-Hill (baroque violin), George Ross (baroque cello) and Aidan Phillips (harpsichord) perform.
BHS RECITAL: LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Tuesday 11 August, 6.30-7.30pm Using the music of JS Bach, Handel and Fischer, Italian harpsichordist Paolo Zanzu explores the portrayal of light and shade in music written before the ‘Sturm und Drang’ style of later 18th century composers.
SUMMER CANTATAS Thursday 13 August, 6.30-7.30pm ARCATA BAROQUE explores the influence of the Italian cantata across Europe featuring music by Pepusch, D Scarlatti, Boismortier, Stanley and Handel. They are Elin Harries (soprano), Carina Drury (cello) and Nathaniel Mander (harpsichord).
LIFT ACCESS From April 2015 there will be no lift access. If you have any questions, please contact the museum in advance of your visit.
www.handelhouse.org | 10 | Booking line 020 7399 1953
August 2015
Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated
Booking line: 020 7399 1953
FROM DOWLAND TO RODRIGO Thursday 20 August, 6.30-7.30pm
ENTERTAINMENTS FOR THE ANCIEN RÉGIME Thursday 27 August, 6.30-7.30pm
Greek-born guitarist and arranger Andreas Moutsioulis presents a musical journey that connects the Baroque and Renaissance music of Dowland, Kellner and Frescobaldi with 20th century composers Piazzolla, Theodorakis and Rodrigo. It is a stunning compilation of guitar music that is perfect for the intimate surroundings of Handel House.
This programme explores the refined and sensuous world of 18th century French chamber music with works by Dieupart, Mondonville, Rameau and Duphly, whose tercentenary is commemorated this year. DUO FOLLIA perform and are Diane Moore (violin) and Yeo Yat-soon (harpsichord).
FAMILY EVENT: GLORIOU S GEORGIANS Sunday 30 August, 2-3pm Eboracum Baroque are joined by the Horrible Histories author, Terry Deary to guide us through a London that Handel would have known. Hear a gruesome tale or two of life in 18th century London accompanied by Handel’s music. Signed copies of Terry Deary’s Gorgeous Georgians will be available to buy in the museum shop.
www.handelhouse.org | 11 | Booking line 020 7399 1953
A Year in the Life of Handel: 1738
Exhibition included in admission charge: £6.50, £5.50 concessions, £2 children (free on weekends)
UNTIL SUNDAY 28 JUNE 2015 Our series of exhibitions looking in depth at a single year in Handel’s life continues with 1738. It was a year of varying fortunes for Handel – the Italian opera was failing and he was turning increasingly to the new form of the English oratorio. But at the same time a magnificent statue of him was unveiled at Spring Gardens in Vauxhall, celebrating his pre-eminent position in London society. It was the year in which Handel helped create the Fund for Decay’d Musicians, the roots of the new Methodist ministry were established, and Fortnum and Mason invented the Scotch Egg. Once again a team of Handel House Volunteers has researched and curated the exhibition, and the story of 1738 is told through images and objects from the Handel House Collection, together with loans from other museums. EXHIBITION TALKS AT 3PM Exhibition Talks are delivered by volunteers and are suitable for all levels of knowledge. They last between 15-20 minutes and will take place on the last Saturday of each month: 30 May and 27 June.
www.handelhouse.org | 12 | Booking line 020 7399 1953
Handel: A Life With Friends
Exhibition included in admission charge: £6.50, £5.50 concessions, £2 children (free on weekends)
What was it like to live next to the great composer Handel? Who would call at his house? Who did he visit? In this new exhibition, Handel scholar Ellen Harris will explore the composer’s domestic life at 25 Brook Street and the many friends and neighbours who visited him at the new, fashionable residential district called ‘May Fair’.
LARGE IMAGE: Portrait of the Wesley family, with Anne Donnellan by William Hogarth © Stratfield Saye Preservation Trust SMALL IMAGE: Mrs. Anne Donnellan © National Museums Northern Ireland, Collection Ulster Museum.
Handel’s music brought this disparate group of men and women together, as amateur performers in their own homes and as audiences at performances of his operas and oratorios. With important loans from national, local and private
collections, the exhibition will offer a rare glimpse into the public and private lives of some of Handel’s closest friends. Ellen Harris’s new book George Frideric Handel: A Life With Friends (published by Norton) which inspired this exhibition is available to purchase from the Handel House Museum shop, priced £25. EXHIBITION TALKS AT 3PM Exhibition Talks are delivered by volunteers and are suitable for all levels of knowledge. They last between 15-20 minutes and will take place on the last Saturday of each month: 25 July and 29 August.
www.handelhouse.org | 13 | Booking line 020 7399 1953
Join the Friends
By joining the Friends you will help preserve this unique London landmark for future generations, allowing people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to learn about, experience and make music in the space where it was originally created. As a friend you will enjoy unlimited free entry and priority booking to our weekly concert series, free museum publications and invitations to exclusive member events. Find out more by requesting a form at Reception or visit our website www.handelhouse.org/support or call 020 7495 1685
Handel House production of Acis and Galatea which took place at Canons where it was first performed Š Robert Workman
Booking information Friends booking Wednesday 18 March, 10am General booking Monday 30 March, 10am Booking line 020 7399 1953
Access There will be reduced facilities for visitors from April 2015 until the end of the year. This will include no lift access, toilets or baby changing facilities. As a result there will be no level access for wheelchair users. Please telephone before arrival so that we can best accommodate your needs. One carer per disabled visitor is admitted free of charge to the Museum. For your own safety, you are advised to wear sensible shoes when visiting, as the museum contains original 18th century floors which can be uneven. Stilettos damage the original flooring and leather soled-shoes are particularly unsuitable. Please note that certain rooms have low lighting.
Cavendish Square
Bond Street
So Davies St
ut
h
M
ol
to
n
Brook St
St
Hanover Square Hanover St
t
Row
d St
Bon
ry Ave Entrance
S ent
d St
Bon
New
Brook St Lancashire Court
St George’s St
New
Grosvenor St
Reg
Fenwicks
w Ro
Brook Mews
Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Closed on Bank holidays. Handel House Museum 25 Brook Street, Mayfair London W1K 4HB
Tube: Bus:
Bond Street/Oxford Circus Numerous buses to Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street.
t
tS
ui
nd
Co
Opening Times Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm (8pm on Thursday), Sunday 12pm-6pm
Entrance to the museum is round the back of Brook Street in Lancashire Court.
Princes Street
ery Av
Claridges
Oxford Circus
Oxford St
Please note • All event tickets include free museum admission unless otherwise stated • Handel House does not refund or exchange tickets • Admission to all Handel House events is for ticket holders only • As audience capacity is very limited, please book your tickets in advance • All events take place in the Rehearsal & Performance room at the Handel House Museum unless otherwise stated • All information is correct at time of going to press. Handel House Trust Ltd reserves the right to change artists and/or programmes without notice as necessary
Telephone: 020 7495 1685 Email: mail@handelhouse.org Website: www.handelhouse.org Registered Charity No. 1006009
Events at a glance | Booking line: 020 7399 1953
FRIENDS BOOKING: Wednesday 18 March, 10am GENERAL BOOKING: Monday 30 March, 10am
May
Thursday 7 Tuesday 12 Thursday 14 Thursday 21 Sunday 24 Thursday 28 Saturday 30 Saturday 30
June
Thursday 4 Tuesday 9 Thursday 11 Thursday 18 Saturday 20 Thursday 25 Saturday 27
July
Thursday 2 Thursday 9 Tuesday 14 Thursday 16 Thursday 23 Saturday 25 Thursday 30
August Thursday 6 Tuesday 11 Thursday 13 Thursday 20 Thursday 27 Saturday 29 Sunday 30
Hidden Architecture BHS Recital: A Well-Tempered Assortment The Thief, the Priest, and the Lover London Sonatas Composition-in-Progress Bach to Couperin BHS Harpsichord Masterclass Exhibition Talk – A Year in the Life of Handel: 1738
Join the m on H e-ne andel Ho thly w u on co sletter for se ncert upda s, e tes spec ial ev xhibition much ents and s, more !
The à la mode Musician BHS Recital: Bow Envy Cembalo Transalpino A Tale of Two Cities Handel House Singers: Come and Sing Israel in Egypt and Concert In Perfect Opposition Exhibition Talk – A Year in the Life of Handel: 1738
The Trials and Triumphs of Love Some Weddings and a Few Funerals BHS Recital: The Singing Brook ‘Life after Deth’ Chaconne ou Passacaille Exhibition Talk – Handel: A Life With Friends ‘To Behold the wand’ring Moon’
Telemann in Paris BHS Recital: Lights and Shadows Summer Cantatas From Dowland to Rodrigo Entertainments for the Ancien Régime Exhibition Talk – Handel: A Life With Friends Family Event: Glorious Georgians