Ensemble Hesperi presents a new programme at this fantastic series of lunchtime recitals.

5.45pm: Highland Dance workshop for all levels (geared towards beginners!) with dancer Kathleen Gilbert

6.45pm: Pre-Concert talk on the fascinating world of Scottish Baroque Music - Mary-Jannet Leith

7.30pm: "The Pheasant's Eye: Dancing the Scottish Baroque" - Full Concert, showcasing 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 Highland dancer Kathleen Gilbert with special new choreography.

Ensemble Hesperi is delighted to have been selected as Chiltern Arts Festival 'Take Note' artists for 2020. They will present their programme "The Temple of Apollo" as part of the festival's theme, "Passion Prevails". 

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Join Ensemble Hesperi in London in 1745, during the Jacobite Rebellion, where Scottish-born musicians fought and won against a culture of anti-Scottish sentiment to create beautiful works, bringing together traditional Scottish folk melodies with fashionable ‘Baroque’ style. Despite the risk of exile or worse, Scottish “expat” musicians in the capital – such as James Oswald, John Reid, and the eccentric Earl of Kellie, ‘Fiddler Tam’, secretly sided with the Jacobites, and expressed their support through their music. Oswald and his immediate circle of musicians formed a secret society, ‘The Temple of Apollo’, which was supported by Frederick, Prince of Wales, son of George II, who openly supported the rebellious Scots against his father. For musical Scots, foreigners in a hostile London, passion certainly prevailed – not only did they survive, but their music thrived and drew audiences from near and far to hear the sounds and soul of the Highlands!

Ensemble Hesperi at Snape Maltings I

The first of two concerts during our Chamber Music residency at Snape Maltings.

Ensemble Hesperi at Snape Maltings II

The second of two concerts during our Chamber Music residency at Snape Maltings.

Ensemble Hesperi at London Scottish House

Ensemble Hesperi performs a new programme of Scottish Baroque music at London's famous Scottish House. Details tbc.

Ensemble Hesperi performs at Newbury Spring Festival: "The Temple of Apollo"

Ensemble Hesperi presents an instrumental programme of Scottish Baroque music, exploring the colourful lives of composers who migrated to London during the eighteenth century. Many Scottish composers such as James Oswald, and the eccentric Earl of Kelly, ‘Fiddler Tam’, moved to London to seek their musical fortunes in the capital. But this was a dangerous time for Scots to be in London: during the Jacobite Rebellions, they were often insulted in the streets and theatres, and Scottish musicians, led by Oswald, stuck close together, forming a mysterious society called ‘The Temple of Apollo’. 

English Music Festival - "Handel's Glorious Baroque"

HANDEL: Trio Sonata in F major

ANON.: Greensleeves

PURCELL: Golden Sonata

ANON.: Prelude

HANDEL: Harpsichord Suite no.3 in D minor

OSWALD: Aires for the Seasons: Spring and Summer

SAMMARTINI: Sonata VI from Twelve Trio Sonatas

Ensemble Hesperi at the Ryedale Festival

Programme and timings tbc.

Ensemble Hesperi at The Cobbe Collection: "The Temple of Apollo"

Ensemble Hesperi presents an instrumental programme of Scottish Baroque music, exploring the colourful lives of composers who migrated to London during the eighteenth century. Many Scottish composers such as James Oswald, and the eccentric Earl of Kelly, ‘Fiddler Tam’, moved to London to seek their musical fortunes in the capital. But this was a dangerous time for Scots to be in London: during the Jacobite Rebellions, they were often insulted in the streets and theatres, and Scottish musicians, led by Oswald, stuck close together, forming a mysterious society called ‘The Temple of Apollo’. This style represents a unique ‘fusion’ of Italian virtuosity, catchy dance rhythms and soaring melodies from traditional Scottish folk music. Many Italian composers such as Barsanti and Geminiani were captivated by Scots tunes, and adapted them for London audiences, who lapped up the ‘exotic’ harmonies and rhythms - such as the ‘Scotch Snap’. A highlight of this programme is James Oswald’s 96 ‘Airs for the Seasons’: these charming character pieces are each named after plants and flowers, transporting the listener to the soundscape of the Scottish Highlands.