handel house museum may-august 2015

May – August 2015Live Music, Events & Exhibitions

www.handelhouse.org

www.handelhouse.org | 2 | Booking line 020 7399 1953

Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated Booking line: 020 7399 1953Season Highlights

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

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1 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

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4A special event for our younger visitors featuring Terry Deary author of Horrible Histories.Page 11

‘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: GLORIOUS GEORGIANS

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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).

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.

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Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated Booking line: 020 7399 1953May 2015

HIDDEN ARCHITECTUREThursday 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.

THE THIEF, THE PRIEST, AND THE LOVERThursday 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).

BHS RECITAL: A WELL-TEMPERED ASSORTMENTTuesday 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.

Pick up a Family Trail designed for our younger musical visitors to explore the museum and discover the life of the great composer Handel


Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated Booking line: 020 7399 1953May 2015

COMPOSITION-IN-PROGRESSSunday 24 May, 2-3pm

Every year, Handel House commissions its Composer-in-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

LONDON SONATASThursday 21 May, 6.30-7.30pm

Nicolette Moonen (violin) and Medea Bindewald (harpsichord) celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Bach-Abel 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.

BACH TO COUPERINThursday 28 May, 6.30-7.30pm

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


Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated Booking line: 020 7399 1953June 2015

THE À LA MODE MUSICIANThursday 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 ENVYTuesday 9 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.

CEMBALO TRANSALPINOThursday 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.

A TALE OF TWO CITIESThursday 18 June, 6.30-7.30pm

In this programme harpsichordist Yeo Yat-Soon 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.


Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated Booking line: 020 7399 1953June 2015

IN PERFECT OPPOSITIONThursday 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.

HANDEL HOUSE SINGERS PERFORM EXCERPTS FROM ISRAEL IN EGYPTSaturday 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 Ana-Maria Rincon. The concert will be conducted by early music specialist Laurence Cummings.

Venue: Grosvenor Chapel, 24 South Audley Street, London W1K 2PA

Tickets: £5Also available on the door.

HANDEL HOUSE SINGERS: COME AND SING ISRAEL IN EGYPTSaturday 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 House10am: Sopranos11am: Altos12.15pm: Tenors and Basses

Rehearsal and Performance at Grosvenor Chapel3pm: Rehearsal5.15pm: Glass of wine for Participants6pm: Public performance

Tickets: £15, £12 concessionsPrice includes a glass of wine for participants.


Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated Booking line: 020 7399 1953July 2015

THE TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF LOVEThursday 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).

‘LIFE AFTER DETH’Thursday 16 July, 6.30-7.30pm

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.

SOME WEDDINGS AND A FEW FUNERALSThursday 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).

BHS RECITAL: THE SINGING BROOKTuesday 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’.


Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated 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.

July 2015

CHACONNE OU PASSACAILLEThursday 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.

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


Booking line: 020 7399 1953Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise statedAugust 2015

TELEMANN IN PARISThursday 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.

SUMMER CANTATASThursday 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).

BHS RECITAL: LIGHTS AND SHADOWSTuesday 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.

LIFT ACCESSFrom April 2015 there will be no lift access. If you have any questions, please contact the museum in advance of your visit.


Tickets: £9, £5 students unless otherwise stated Booking line: 020 7399 1953August 2015

FROM DOWLAND TO RODRIGOThursday 20 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.

ENTERTAINMENTS FOR THE ANCIEN RÉGIMEThursday 27 August, 6.30-7.30pm

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).

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.

FAMILY EVENT: GLORIOUS GEORGIANS


Exhibition included in admission charge: £6.50, £5.50 concessions, £2 children (free on weekends)A Year in the Life of Handel: 1738

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 3PMExhibition 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.


Exhibition included in admission charge: £6.50, £5.50 concessions, £2 children (free on weekends)Handel: A Life With Friends

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’.

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 3PMExhibition 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.

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 House production of Acis and Galatea which took place at Canons where it was first performed © Robert Workman

Join the FriendsBy 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

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

Opening TimesTuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm (8pm on Thursday), Sunday 12pm-6pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Closed on Bank holidays.

Handel House Museum25 Brook Street, MayfairLondon W1K 4HB

Entrance to the museum is round the back of Brook Street in Lancashire Court.

Tube: Bond Street/Oxford CircusBus: Numerous buses to Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street.

Telephone: 020 7495 1685Email: [email protected]: www.handelhouse.org

Registered Charity No. 1006009

Oxford StBond Street Oxford Circus

Princes Street

Fenwicks

Brook St

South Molton St

Brook Mews

Grosvenor St

Avery Row

Davies St Hanover Square

Claridges

Conduit St

Regent St

CavendishSquare

Hanover St

St George’s St

New

Bond St

Brook StLancashire

Court

Entrance

Avery Row

New

Bond St

Booking informationFriends booking Wednesday 18 March, 10amGeneral 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.

MayThursday 7 Hidden ArchitectureTuesday 12 BHS Recital: A Well-Tempered AssortmentThursday 14 The Thief, the Priest, and the LoverThursday 21 London SonatasSunday 24 Composition-in-ProgressThursday 28 Bach to CouperinSaturday 30 BHS Harpsichord MasterclassSaturday 30 Exhibition Talk – A Year in the Life of Handel: 1738

JuneThursday 4 The à la mode MusicianTuesday 9 BHS Recital: Bow EnvyThursday 11 Cembalo TransalpinoThursday 18 A Tale of Two CitiesSaturday 20 Handel House Singers: Come and Sing Israel in Egypt and ConcertThursday 25 In Perfect OppositionSaturday 27 Exhibition Talk – A Year in the Life of Handel: 1738

JulyThursday 2 The Trials and Triumphs of LoveThursday 9 Some Weddings and a Few FuneralsTuesday 14 BHS Recital: The Singing BrookThursday 16 ‘Life after Deth’Thursday 23 Chaconne ou PassacailleSaturday 25 Exhibition Talk – Handel: A Life With Friends Thursday 30 ‘To Behold the wand’ring Moon’

AugustThursday 6 Telemann in ParisTuesday 11 BHS Recital: Lights and ShadowsThursday 13 Summer CantatasThursday 20 From Dowland to RodrigoThursday 27 Entertainments for the Ancien RégimeSaturday 29 Exhibition Talk – Handel: A Life With Friends Sunday 30 Family Event: Glorious Georgians

Events at a glance | Booking line: 020 7399 1953FRIENDS BOOKING: Wednesday 18 March, 10am GENERAL BOOKING: Monday 30 March, 10am

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handel house museum may-august 2015

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