DM349: Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Experience Ensemble with Istante Collective

Extraordinary People and Extraordinary Music – the OAE Experience ensemble perform music by three remarkable composers from the classical period; Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Maddalena Lombardini, and Franz Joseph Haydn.

Saturday 05.11.22 | 12 – 2pm at St Matthias, N16 8DD
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Experience Ensemble with Istante Collective

In an age when slavery was endemic, Saint-Georges, who was mixed-race, was one of its most celebrated men. Not only was he among the most important musicians in pre-revolutionary Paris but he was considered one of the finest swordsmen in Europe, a fencer of extraordinary speed, flexibility and grace, qualities which he also exhibited as a violinist and composer.

Maddalena Lombardini Sirman isn’t a household name today but she was quite a superstar in her lifetime. As a childhood prodigy she caught the attention of the most famous violinist of the time, Tartini, who wrote a lengthy letter to her telling her how to practice! This must have paid off, because she became a celebrated travelling performer – bringing her husband on tour to look after their child; not a typical state of affairs at all. She composed, and was published and re-published; an astute business woman. Later on in life she attempted a career as a singer, (not quite so successfully),  but she remains one of the first female musicians with a substantial and varied career. And, I would suggest, quite a feminist icon.

Franz Jospeh Haydn was the ultimate musical inventor.  He composed as if he were in a laboratory, his nickname Papa Haydn referred not only to the fact he virtually invented the form of the symphony and string quartet but also that he was a genial personality, and composed for the musicians whom he knew personally at the court in Estarhaza. He invented the symphony, but then reinvented it with each one he composed – making then breaking the rules. Symphony 74 is no exception, with twists and turns in the music that set up our expectations and then thwart them with innovation and vitality.

Returning for their 6th Year, the incredibly talented young musicians you’ll meet have are taking part this year in the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE) Experience Scheme. The year-long scheme is aimed at players who have already finished or are finishing their studies and allows participants to be involved in and be mentored by OAE musicians in a variety of events across the year. This course and performance by the OAE Experience Ensemble is kindly supported by Henoq Law Trust.

Resident at the Southbank Centre, Associate Orchestra at Glyndebourne and Artistic Associate at Kings Place, the OAE is one of the world’s leading ensembles specialising in period instrument performance, playing music on instruments or replicas from the time the music was written. The orchestra is led today by Margaret Faultless, one of the OAE’s three leaders who has been mentoring the young musicians on the scheme.

Further event details: Pay-What-You-Can entry (we suggest £10 adult, children free) in advance or on the door, subject to availability/capacity. An event for all ages. As always with this series we endeavour to make our audience feel as safe, comfortable and welcome as we possibly can.