Concert Royal
'recreating the musical sound world of a bygone age'
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Margarette Ashton, soprano Peter Harrison, director/flute Rachel Gray, violoncello John Treherne, harpsichord |
Concert Royal, one of the UK's longest established early music groups, was founded in 1974 by flautist Peter Harrison, harpsichordist John Treherne and soprano Margarette Ashton. 'Cellist Rachel Gray completes the ensemble and together, through historically informed performance, the four musicians endeavour to recreate the elegant sound worlds of the baroque and classical eras.
Concert Royal has developed a distinctive style, presenting unique performances of vocal and instrumental music from the eighteenth century drawing room in an entertaining and informative way. The ensemble has given hundreds of recitals in every corner of the UK, performing extensively for The National Trust, in festivals and for music and arts societies, in churches, schools and arts centres. Concert Royal has toured in Europe, the USA and for the British Council in South America.
Concert Royal
- presents recitals of the highest professional standards
- offers promoters an exclusive repertoire presented in an enthusiastic, entertaining and informative style
- does not require a piano and has no special staging requirements
- quotes an all inclusive fee with no 'hidden extras' for travel or transport and tuning of the harpsichord
- deals promptly and efficiently with requests for information and publicity material
Programmes for 2012/13
Music from Handel's London
A selection of Handel's much-loved work, including a chamber music version of 'Musick for the Royal Fireworks', together with Dr.Arne's popular Shakespearian songs ensure a delightful evening of musical entertainment from the Georgian drawing room. Concert Royal's reputation for presenting unjustly neglected English music ensures that each performance contains exciting rarities, unique to the ensemble's repertoire.
"It was easy to imagine sitting in the elegant drawing room of a stately home" - Curry Rivel Music Club
Jane Austen's Musical England
Jane Austen was a keen amateur musician with a large collection of music. Our programme includes songs and instrumental music drawn from Jane's collection and from contemporary sources.
Brief extracts from letters and novels provide a fascinating glimpse into Jane Austen's musical world.
"The audience was transported into the elegance of the 18th century and the England of Jane Austen's time" - Horsham Music Circle
Education Programme
Education Programme for children, families and primary schools
In this fast moving, interactive presentation Concert Royal's musicians share the simple pleasures of making music with their young audiences. The programme features flutes, recorders, 'cello and harpsichord in a wide variety of approachable popular music from Saint Saens' 'The Swan' to 'Greensleeves'.
"Many thanks for a wonderful concert. The children obviously enjoyed your playing, singing and musical activities" - Newton Abbot Primary School
News
Concert Royal records exclusively for Georgian Recordings.
Full information about the ensemble's CDs and downloadable excerpts can be found at:
The Jane Austen Collection
This CD features songs and instrumental music drawn from Jane Austen's own collection. Brief extracts from letters and novels provide a fascinating glimpse into Jane's musical world.
Margarette Ashton; soprano
Peter Harrison; flute
Rachel Gray; violoncello
John Treherne; square piano
Concerti from opus 9, Charles Avison
performed on historic instruments by The Georgian Concert (leader Simon Jones)
Charles Avison (1709-1770) was the most important and influential English composer of string concerti in the eighteenth century. This first recording of his music performed on historic instruments was widely and enthusiastically reviewed. 'This excellent recording was made in York. The music is well crafted and gets a sympathetic performance...ground well worth exploring' Music Opinion
Classical Music for Flutes
The 'London' Trios by Josef Haydn performed on historic instruments by Lesley Holliday and Peter Harrison, flutes and Rachel Gray, violoncello
Peter Harrison and Rachel Gray of Concert Royal teamed up with Lesley Holliday of The Galeazzi Ensemble to record this programme of early classical trios and duets, including Haydn's well-known 'London' Trios. Haydn wrote the trios during his second acclaimed concert tour in England in 1794.
Blow the Wind Southerly
A collection of 14 songs in Victorian parlour settings from the north east of England, interspersed with contemporary instrumental pieces. Favourite Tyneside songs The Keel Row, Bobby Shaftoe, Water of Tyne and Blow the Wind Southerly are contrasted with less-known pieces such as The Grace Darling Song, which tells the story of the heroic rescue in 1837. Newcastle-born soprano Margarette Ashton is accompanied on historic instruments, recapturing the sound world of the mid-nineteenth century.
Latest release…
The Georgian Flute
Although George Frederick Handel dominated the music scene in mid-eighteenth century England there were many talented native musicians producing fine distinctive works. For our latest recording we have chosen five sonatas by English composers of music for the flute, contrasted with solo tunes from the 'pocket books'. All of the music on the disc was researched in the British Library and is recorded here for the first time. Mellow boxwood flute, gut-strung 'cello and harpsichord recreate the musical sound world of Georgian England.
CDs can be ordered by e mail at £10.00 (incl. p+p), address below
Contact: Peter Harrison, Director, Concert Royal 72 Huntsmans Lane, Stamford Bridge, York YO41 1ET, UK Phone: (+44)(0)1759 373433Email: music@peterharrison.eclipse.co.uk
