Cancelled: Cheltenham Music Festival - Barokksolistene Ensemble

Recognised as one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting groups working in the field of historically informed performance, Barokksolistene fuse virtuoso musicianship with flawless ensemble playing. To close the 2020 Music Festival, they bring two programmes in one evening, exploring the exquisite music of Purcell, and taking us back in time to a riotous 17th century alehouse.

6–7pm Purcell’s Playground

Purcell is celebrated as Orpheus Britannicus – the composer who made the English language come to life through music. He composed music fit for the solemnity of Westminster Abbey and the splendour of the Royal Chapel - but also popular melodies for the rough humour of the taverns and the catch clubs. In this programme, Barokksolistene masterfully explore the astonishing variety of Purcell’s work in a fabulously direct way and celebrate the grace, beauty and wit of his music.

7.30–8.30pm The Alehouse Sessions

An ever-changing insight into the music of the English 17th century tavern, Bjarte Eike’s Alehouse Sessions weave a story of this tumultuous period through sea shanties, touching folk music, anecdotes, bawdy songs, humour and of course, beer.