JANE AUSTEN’S MUSICAL ENGLAND

presented by

CONCERT ROYAL

Margarette Ashton  (soprano)
Peter Harrison  (flute)
Rachel Gray  (violoncello)
John Treherne  (harpsichord)

W“Yes, yes, we will have a pianoforte, as good a one as can be got for thirty guineas, and I will practise country dances, that we may have some amusement for our nephews and nieces, when we have the pleasure of their company” (letter from Jane Austen to her sister Cassandra in 1808). Music played an important part in Jane Austen’s life at Chawton in Hampshire and she is known to have practised each day before breakfast.

Concert Royal’s programme draws on the extensive collection of printed and handwritten music preserved at Chawton by the Jane Austen Memorial Trust and from contemporary sources to provide an entertaining evening of music from the English drawing room. Haydn’s settings of popular Scottish airs and his song “My mother bids me bind my hair” will be familiar to audiences; in contrast there are rediscovered gems by the English musicians Thomas Arne, James Hook and Charles Dibdin. Concert Royal’s presentation is enhanced by extracts from Jane’s letters and novels which set the scene and place the music in context.

Concert Royal recreates the elegant sound world of the 18th century through historically informed performance. The ensemble has toured in Europe, the USA and performed for the British Council in South America and as well as giving concerts in every corner of the UK.

Tickets: £40 (including a delicious buffet supper with wine)

Sponsored by CliniMed Holdings Ltd and Mr and Mrs N. Piercey

Venue by kind permission of Mrs A Macleod-Matthews