Classics By Candlelight

Classics by Candlelight will feature musicians from top early music groups including English Baroque Soloists, The Gabrieli Consort and Players and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

The performance will be at St Andrew’s Church in Biggleswade tonight (Friday, January 17) at 7.30pm.

The programme will include concertos from Vivaldi’s L’estro armonico, Telemann’s Viola Concerto, Pachelbel’s Canon and other pieces by Bach and Handel.

There will also be the chance to hear a rarely performed piece by Heinrich Biber for two viola d’amore.

The viola d’amore is an obsolete string instrument which was primarily used in the 17th and 18th centuries but is seldom heard today.

The group will be led by violinist Oliver Webber. He is known for his historically informed playing of early stringed instruments and for his research into gut strings and early 17th century Italian music.

As a soloist Oliver has performed on the violin, viola d’amore and violino piccolo at major venues in London and at festivals throughout Europe. A member of the Parley of Instruments and the London Handel Players, Oliver is also in demand as a chamber musician.

Additionally he teaches classical studies at the Guildhall School of Music, he is a visiting professor at Trinity Laban in London and he gives lectures about historical performance in venues around Europe.

Oliver will be joined by violinists Ellen O’Dell, Julia Black and Judith van Ingen.

Also performing will be Pamela Moutoussi on the viola, Henrik Persson on the cello, Jacqui Dossor on the bass and Katharine May on the harpsichord.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £2 for children under the age of 16. They are available on the door or from Julia Black on 01767 318537.

Refreshments will be available.