OAE TOTS
Although they can in no way fill the gap that should be filled by music education in schools, hats off to groups such as the OAE (Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment) for their concerts for children of all ages. To check them out yesterday morning my 2+ year old grandson and I joined a hundred odd other grans, parents and toddlers in Acland Burghley School in Kentish Town where the OAE are based.
Awaiting us was a pared down band of about 20 players and a wizard – you cannot see his sparkly purple cape but he had one, as well as rabbit ears! The 45 minutes show was split between short pieces of baroque music, singing both of familiar songs and simple new ones, some general magic ‘business’ and an introduction to all the players and their instruments.
With very few exceptions, the kids loved it. My toddler, having been somewhat dubious on arrival, sat on my lap for the full 45 minutes, without moving – unheard of! He was rivetted by the whole thing, especially, rather surprisingly, by the ‘straight’ music. Well done the OAE!
If you have children in need of some music, check out the OAE’s site as there are other programmes for different age groups going on over the summer. Cost: £2 per child, £5 per accompanying adult.
Young people around the World
Lily Hesper Douglas is a clarinettist studying at the Royal College of Music. Last year she took part in a pilot composition programme with young musicians from the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra in which RCM students like Lily taught and mentored the young musicians in the orchestra. This was such a success that Lily has been invited to go back and do further mentoring this July. But, while the RCM does contribute financially to the trip Lily needs to match their funding.
She has set up a Go Fund Me page and if anyone is feeling generous, even if just to the tune of £5, Lily would be super grateful….
Meanwhile, back in Oxford…
The Continuo Foundation which already does so much to support early music is joining forces with the Oxford Festival of the Arts for an Early Music Day on 12th July.
There will be two daytime concerts. The Linarol Consort of Viols and countertenor William Purefoy at 1pm in a concert of music by Orlando Gibbons, marking the 400th anniversary of his death. Then at 3pm the Bellot Ensemble (who will be playing for us early in 2026) will play pieces from their debut album, Cupid’s Ground Bass. The day will end with a talk by Sir Nicholas Kenyon on the lasting influence of the early music revival of the 20th century.
For more details and/or to book tickets go here.
And last but definitely not least – Nathaniel’s Goldbergs
Those of you who missed Nathaniel Mander playing the Goldberg Variations at St Martin in the Fields in July last year can now hear the performance on his YouTube site. All 33 variations and an introduction! Sit back and enjoy….
To check in to where you can hear him playing live, see his site here. (And, advance alert, he will be back with us in Hampstead Lane in February next year. Pencil in the 26th…)
And – don’t forget…..
Now only 1 ticket left for The Return of Flanders and Swann on June 12th – if you would like it, go here – fast!
Sunday 22nd June – Hampstead Lane – garden opening
On June 22nd the Hampstead Lane garden will be open for the National Gardens Scheme, complete with tea, home made cakes – and music!
Guitarist James McClusky, the Secret Life Saxophone Quartet and then, later in the afternoon, William Jack and his jazz cello.
£5 entry to include your cup of tea – 12 noon – 6pm – and all for a very good cause! Book here or pay on the door.
Saturday 5th July – 6pm – Hampstead Lane
Rush Hour concert with Declan Hickey (guitar) and Ellen Wikinson (oboe).
Declan and Ellen join us for a really exciting programme of 20th century music composed almost exclusively for the guitar and oboe.
£15 to include a glass (or several) of wine – book here.
Sunday 6th July – 6.30pm – Hampstead Lane
The Vauxhall Band Basset Horn Trio.
The Vauxhall Band Basset Horn Trio, Katherine Spencer, Fiona Mitchell and Sarah Thurlow, will be returning on Sunday 6th July with a programme of music by Mozart and his contemporaries.
£30 to include supper and wine – book here.
For other events see our Upcoming Events page.
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