Saraband
Saraband is an ensemble that expands from just two violins to a larger group including:
Sarah Bealby-Wright - violin
Henrietta Wayne - violin
Johan Löfving - theorbo/guitar,
Jacob Garside -cello/viola da gamba
Saraband is an ensemble that expands from just two violins to a larger group including:
Sarah Bealby-Wright - violin
Henrietta Wayne - violin
Johan Löfving - theorbo/guitar,
Jacob Garside -cello/viola da gamba
We specialise in music that would have been heard in the grand houses, sitting rooms, coffee houses, taverns and streets of the 17th and 18th centuries performing in venues that compliment the music architecturally as well as giving our audience a sense of informality and intimacy.
We specialise in music that would have been heard in the grand houses, sitting rooms, coffee houses, taverns and streets of the 17th and 18th centuries performing in venues that compliment the music architecturally as well as giving our audience a sense of informality and intimacy.
We specialise in music that would have been heard in the grand houses, sitting rooms, coffee houses, taverns and streets of the 17th and 18th centuries performing in venues that compliment the music architecturally as well as giving our audience a sense of informality and intimacy.
'Speaking for Kenwood, it’s simply a pleasure to have you guys in the house gracing our rooms with beautiful music. Saraband offers something particularly sweet on top of the obvious, skilful play …call it a bit of intrigue, with a touch of irreverence and a dollop of good fun. Fantastic.'
James Baniecki - Historic Properties Supervisor at Kenwood House
'Speaking for Kenwood, it’s simply a pleasure to have you guys in the house gracing our rooms with beautiful music. Saraband offers something particularly sweet on top of the obvious, skilful play …call it a bit of intrigue, with a touch of irreverence and a dollop of good fun. Fantastic.'
James Baniecki - Historic Properties Supervisor at Kenwood House
Recent Performances
Recent Performances
Music at Kew Palace - Sunday May 4th at 12pm & 2:30 pm
A rare opportunity to hear the earliest surviving Georgian Chamber organ in the UK which is housed in Kew Palace.
We are joined by musician & organist Timothy Roberts in a programme of music that was known and possibly played by King George III 's music loving family. Including pieces by Worgan, Handel, JC Bach, Mozart, Bononcini, Rousseau and anon.
Free with admission to Kew Gardens
Music at Kew Palace - Sunday May 4th at 12pm & 2:30 pm
A rare opportunity to hear the earliest surviving Georgian Chamber organ in the UK which is housed in Kew Palace.
We are joined by musician & organist Timothy Roberts in a programme of music that was known and possibly played by King George III 's music loving family. Including pieces by Worgan, Handel, JC Bach, Mozart, Bononcini, Rousseau and anon.
Free with admission to Kew Gardens
More performances coming Summer 2025!
'Love after the Storm'
French Cantatas - The Theatre of the Salon
More performances coming Summer 2025!
'Love after the Storm'
French Cantatas - The Theatre of the Salon
'Painted Ladies'- at Rook Lane Chapel (built in 1707) - Frome, Somerset 24 September. 2023
Audience comment:
What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Polly Peachum, Lucy Lockett and other characters of The Beggar's Opera brought to life in the eighteenth century Rook Lane Chapel by baroque ensemble, Saraband. I loved their 'Painted Ladies' programme about actresses, blue stockings and milkmaids. Wonderful playing and lively commentary - and the musicians seemed to enjoy it as much as we did!
'Painted Ladies'- at Rook Lane Chapel (built in 1707) - Frome, Somerset 24 September. 2023
Audience comment:
What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Polly Peachum, Lucy Lockett and other characters of The Beggar's Opera brought to life in the eighteenth century Rook Lane Chapel by baroque ensemble, Saraband. I loved their 'Painted Ladies' programme about actresses, blue stockings and milkmaids. Wonderful playing and lively commentary - and the musicians seemed to enjoy it as much as we did!
Music for Lord Burlington
For the friends of Chiswick House on October 11th 2023
Just two of us in the shoes of the Castrucci brothers, Italian violinists who came back with Lord Burlington's luggage after his 'Grand Tour'.
Playing in the beautiful entance hall of Chiswick House designed by Lord Burlington and inspired by Rome.
Just two of us in the shoes of the Castrucci brothers, Italian violinists who came back with Lord Burlington's luggage after his 'Grand Tour'.
Playing in the beautiful entance hall of Chiswick House designed by Lord Burlington and inspired by Rome.
A collaboration with Director Guido Martin-Brandis to present French cantatas by Montéclair, Rameau, Clerambault & Lefebvre, in dramatic staging with three outstanding singers:
Emily Gray, Samuel Boden & Hilary Cronin
A collaboration with Director Guido Martin-Brandis to present French cantatas by Montéclair, Rameau, Clerambault & Lefebvre, in dramatic staging with three outstanding singers:
Emily Gray, Samuel Boden & Hilary Cronin
Showreel
Showreel
"It was entirely magical, that bewitching freedom and fantasy and strangeness of French music, played and performed with palpable love, humour and huge enjoyment. " Robert Thicknesse - Opera Now magazine - Spring 2024
"It was entirely magical, that bewitching freedom and fantasy and strangeness of French music, played and performed with palpable love, humour and huge enjoyment. " Robert Thicknesse - Opera Now magazine - Spring 2024
"Modest forces, but great ambitions and a big, generous vision, producing an exhilaration out of all proportion to the means. "
Robert Thicknesse - Critic for 'Opera Now magazine ' (reviewing French Cantatas - The Theatre of the Salon)
"Modest forces, but great ambitions and a big, generous vision, producing an exhilaration out of all proportion to the means. "
Robert Thicknesse - Critic for 'Opera Now magazine ' (reviewing French Cantatas - The Theatre of the Salon)
Festivals around the UK -
July 16 Theatre de Ranelagh - Paris - Martin Randall Travel 'Music along the Seine'
September 18 French Institute Sofia - Bulgaria
Festivals around the UK -
July 16 Theatre de Ranelagh - Paris - Martin Randall Travel 'Music along the Seine'
September 18 French Institute Sofia - Bulgaria
Future performances in 2025
Future performances in 2025
Other programmes coming up
With the generous support of
Other programmes coming up
With the generous support of
The Twickenham Set- Sunday February 9 2025 at 6pm
St Mary's Church, Church St, Twickenham TW1 3NJ
A concert exploring the artistic circles of 18th century Twickenham performed in the very church where the two famous actresses of the time, Hannah Pritchard and Kitty Clive, are buried along with the famous poet and Twickenham resident Alexander Pope. Pope was a founder member of the 'scriblerus club' with those other wits of the age Jonathan swift and John Gay.
Music by Handel, Corelli, Telemann, Bononcini as well as tunes from the Beggars Opera and other popular tunes for or by the beautiful stars of Twickenham!
Supported by the Continuo Foundation
'Painted Ladies' - Sunday February 23rd
Kenwood House NW3 at 12.30 & again at 2.15.
amongst the painted ladies in the music room with a programme of music for and about actresses, courtesans, milkmaids and the Blue Stocking Society of the 18th century.
In the eighteenth century the music room, with its views onto the rose bushes and dairy beyond, was where the lady of the house would entertain her guests. It is now peopled by beauties and celebrities such as Kitty Fisher, Mrs Jordan, Emma Hart and Mrs Musters. Kitty Fisher had a popular tune named after her, Mrs Jordan wrote her own. Saraband weave together the music and stories inspired by the house and these paintings.
Supported by the Continuo Foundation
St Michael, Church Stowe, Northamptonshire
Thursday June 5 at 6:30pm
St Michael, Church Stowe, Northamptonshire
Thursday June 5 at 6:30pm
RIVALS17th & 18th centuries were times when one man could resolve a quarrel with another by challenging him to a duel and shooting him. When it came to culture wars things weren’t so drastic but the battle ground was littered with pamphlets and publications written by men on opposing sides of the current debate on taste and aesthetics. In our programme we will explore the musical rivalries of the 17th and 18th centuries and play some of our favourite music which, with the passing of centuries, we can love equally …..and we hope you will too!
RIVALS
17th & 18th centuries were times when one man could resolve a quarrel with another by challenging him to a duel and shooting him. When it came to culture wars things weren’t so drastic but the battle ground was littered with pamphlets and publications written by men on opposing sides of the current debate on taste and aesthetics.
In our programme we will explore the musical rivalries of the 17th and 18th centuries and play some of our favourite music which, with the passing of centuries, we can love equally …..and we hope you will too!
Part of the Music in Country Churches summer series
Part of the Music in Country Churches summer series
During October 2022 we were 'resident' at Kenwood House for a series of concerts made possible with the generous support of the Continuo Foundation.
During October 2022 we were 'resident' at Kenwood House for a series of concerts made possible with the generous support of the Continuo Foundation.
Concerts in 2022
Concerts in 2022
in the Music Room - Kenwood House NW3
in the Music Room - Kenwood House NW3
October 2 - Music from the time of Vermeer Inspired by Kenwood's own Vermeer painting 'The Guitar Player' hanging in the dining room. Saraband’s guitarist, Johan Löfving, plays on an instrument just like the one the girl is playing in the picture. The wider musical scene is brought to life with music from Italy, France and England as well as Dutch music and popular tunes that Vermeer may have heard in the Flying Fox Tavern where he was brought up. Music by Uccellini, Hacquart, Corbetta, Matteis and Anon.
October 9 - Music for Charles II (whose portrait hangs upstairs in the house) 17th century music from the Court, Theatre and Tavern. Music by Purcell, Locke, Marais, Kapsberger and celebrated violinists of the time as well as popular tunes from the theatre and tavern.
October 16 - Painted Ladies
The lives of the eighteenth century ladies whose portraits hang in the music room are brought to life with music for and about actresses, courtesans, milkmaids and the Blue Stocking Society. Music by Handel, Dora Jordan, Mrs Crouch, Purcell and Anon.
Audience Comments:
’Fantastic performance and fascinating stories to give context to the music and the house. Really brought the history to life!’
Absolutely brilliant entertainment with incredible information at the same time! Excellent!
‘Beautiful experience to hear the music in the fitting environs of Kenwood - we all loved it including my 1 year old Isabella.’
October 2 - Music from the time of Vermeer
Inspired by Kenwood's own Vermeer painting 'The Guitar Player' hanging in the dining room. Saraband’s guitarist, Johan Löfving, plays on an instrument just like the one the girl is playing in the picture. The wider musical scene is brought to life with music from Italy, France and England as well as Dutch music and popular tunes that Vermeer may have heard in the Flying Fox Tavern where he was brought up. Music by Uccellini, Hacquart, Corbetta, Matteis and Anon.
October 9 - Music for Charles II (whose portrait hangs upstairs in the house) 17th century music from the Court, Theatre and Tavern.
Music by Purcell, Locke, Marais, Kapsberger and celebrated violinists of the time as well as popular tunes from the theatre and tavern.
October 16 - Painted Ladies
The lives of the eighteenth century ladies whose portraits hang in the music room are brought to life with music for and about actresses, courtesans, milkmaids and the Blue Stocking Society. Music by Handel, Dora Jordan, Mrs Crouch, Purcell and Anon.
The lives of the eighteenth century ladies whose portraits hang in the music room are brought to life with music for and about actresses, courtesans, milkmaids and the Blue Stocking Society. Music by Handel, Dora Jordan, Mrs Crouch, Purcell and Anon.
Audience Comments:
’Fantastic performance and fascinating stories to give context to the music and the house. Really brought the history to life!’
Absolutely brilliant entertainment with incredible information at the same time! Excellent!
‘Beautiful experience to hear the music in the fitting environs of Kenwood - we all loved it including my 1 year old Isabella.’
In the eighteenth century, the beautiful music room at Kenwood House was where the lady of the house would entertain her guests. It is now peopled by beauties and celebrities such as Mrs Crouch, Mrs Jordan and Emma Hart in portraits by Reynolds, Gainsborough & Hoppner. Saraband weave together music and stories inspired by the house and its artworks in half hour programmes.
In the eighteenth century, the beautiful music room at Kenwood House was where the lady of the house would entertain her guests. It is now peopled by beauties and celebrities such as Mrs Crouch, Mrs Jordan and Emma Hart in portraits by Reynolds, Gainsborough & Hoppner. Saraband weave together music and stories inspired by the house and its artworks in half hour programmes.
…..and off to the pub for two evening performances at ....
…..and off to the pub for two evening performances at ....
During the 18th century the upstairs room of a Tavern, or Music House as it was then known, was the venue for the first public concerts and we have found our own perfect Tavern room at the Holly Bush. The audience can eat a delicious supper before the show and enjoy a drink whilst we play. Amazingly this pub was originlly built by the artist George Romney as a his Hampstead home in later life and the room we are playing in was his artists' studio, a most serendipitous pairing with our concerts at Kenwood House!
October 12- Music from the 17th century Home, Theatre and Tavern. Music from some of our favourites including Purcell, Corelli, Matteis and Locke as well as popular tunes of the time.
October 19 - Ladies’ Night - We are joined by our ballad monger Robert Maskell for an evening exploring the lives and travails of 18th century ladies, actresses and courtesans through music and verse. Music by Handel, Arne, Niel Gow, Samuel Arnold, Dora Jordan and tunes from the Beggars Opera, that vehicle for so many of the star singer/actresses of the 18th century. Words from Lady Mary Wortley, Tom D'Urfey, George Coleman.
During the 18th century the upstairs room of a Tavern, or Music House as it was then known, was the venue for the first public concerts and we have found our own perfect Tavern room at the Holly Bush. The audience can eat a delicious supper before the show and enjoy a drink whilst we play. Amazingly this pub was originlly built by the artist George Romney as a his Hampstead home in later life and the room we are playing in was his artists' studio, a most serendipitous pairing with our concerts at Kenwood House!
October 12- Music from the 17th century Home, Theatre and Tavern. Music from some of our favourites including Purcell, Corelli, Matteis and Locke as well as popular tunes of the time.
October 19 - Ladies’ Night - We are joined by our ballad monger Robert Maskell for an evening exploring the lives and travails of 18th century ladies, actresses and courtesans through music and verse. Music by Handel, Arne, Niel Gow, Samuel Arnold, Dora Jordan and tunes from the Beggars Opera, that vehicle for so many of the star singer/actresses of the 18th century. Words from Lady Mary Wortley, Tom D'Urfey, George Coleman.
Introducing the Rommelpot!
Introducing the Rommelpot!
With George Romney in his artist's studio
With George Romney in his artist's studio
2021 PERFORMANCES
2021 PERFORMANCES
An exciting new collaboration
with opera director Guido Martin-Brandis & movement director Shona Morris
Opera Now, Robert Thicknesse
"I can't imagine anything more happiness enhancing than sitting in the airy Heath Street Baptist Church as a little baroque band, looking as loveably bohemian as Dexy's Midnight Runners, sways and tootles through some forgotten French jigs from the 17th and 18th centuries...'
.... .this imaginative romp was a transporting little delight''.
An exciting new collaboration
with opera director Guido Martin-Brandis & movement director Shona Morris
Opera Now, Robert Thicknesse
"I can't imagine anything more happiness enhancing than sitting in the airy Heath Street Baptist Church as a little baroque band, looking as loveably bohemian as Dexy's Midnight Runners, sways and tootles through some forgotten French jigs from the 17th and 18th centuries...'
.... .this imaginative romp was a transporting little delight''.
Rameau's Roots & Mouret's Madness
Rameau's Roots & Mouret's Madness
Photo by Bonnie Britain
Photo by Bonnie Britain
pre covid Performances
pre covid Performances
Sunday 16th February 2020 at 3pm
Sunday 16th February 2020 at 3pm
Sarah and Hetty tell the stories of 18th century fallen women throughthe popular tunes of the streets and theatres of covent garden as well as music for and by the patrons and benfactors of the Foundling Hospital.
The Foundling Museum40 Brunswick squareLondon WC1N 1AZ
The Foundling Museum
40 Brunswick square
London WC1N 1AZ
'The Lady's Fall'
'The Lady's Fall'
Free with entrance to the museum
Free with entrance to the museum
For more info on this and other concerts in the festival go here
For more info on this and other concerts in the festival go here
Tickets £12/£5 students on the door £10 in advance from here
Tickets £12/£5 students on the door £10 in advance from here
A concert of 17th century music from the court, theatre and tavern.
From the sorrowful Pavans of Matthew Locke and sumptuous sonorities of Henry Purcell, to tunes by celebrated violinists of the day: Nicola Matteis, John Eccles and superstar Italian - Corelli.
Also...Solos for baroque guitar and viola da gamba and sprinklings of the best stories and gossip from circa 1680.
We are thrilled to have our very own Thesp, Rob Maskell -still smelling of greasepaint from his run in 'Fiddler on the Roof' - to take us into the world of the 17th Theatre and Tavern with stories and songs by the greatest wits of the age, including the famous scurvy poet,Tom D'Urfey.
Sunday 1st December at 6pm
part of the
Baroquestock Autumn/Winter Series
in
Heath Street Baptist Church, Hampstead NW3
Sunday 1st December at 6pm
part of the
Baroquestock Autumn/Winter Series
in
Heath Street Baptist Church, Hampstead NW3
Hetty and Sarah are joined byKate Conway- Gamba & CelloDavid Miller - Theorbo & GuitarRobert Maskell- Actor/Balladmonger
Hetty and Sarah are joined by
Kate Conway- Gamba & Cello
David Miller - Theorbo & Guitar
Robert Maskell- Actor/Balladmonger
the baroquestock apothecary bar will be open from 5pm
for drinks and snacks
the baroquestock apothecary bar will be open from 5pm
for drinks and snacks
Music for Charles II
Music for Charles II
Hetty and Sarah are joined by
Kate Conway- Gamba & Cello
David Miller - Theorbo & Guitar
A short programme of 17th centuryMusic from the time of Charles II whose portrait hangs upstairs in the house. Music by Purcell, Locke , Corelli and celebrated violinists of the time as well as popular tunes from the theatre and tavern.
Hetty and Sarah are joined by
Kate Conway- Gamba & Cello
David Miller - Theorbo & Guitar
A short programme of 17th centuryMusic from the time of Charles II whose portrait hangs upstairs in the house. Music by Purcell, Locke , Corelli and celebrated violinists of the time as well as popular tunes from the theatre and tavern.
For all our Kenwood events each half hour programme will be repeated during the afternoon,1:30 & 2:30
Entrance to the house and our performance is free.
Very limited seating and room capacity.
Sundays in the music room
Kenwood HouseHampstead
NW3 7JR
Sundays in the music room
Kenwood House
Hampstead
NW3 7JR
Sunday 24th November 2019
Sunday 24th November 2019
September 27th 2019
at Apsley House6-10pm with performance at 8pm in the waterloo gallery.
September 27th 2019
at Apsley House
6-10pm with performance at 8pm in the waterloo gallery.
for more info and tickets go here
for more info and tickets go here
A special evening event at Apsley house, part of 'Emerge' festival - Night at the museum meets Glastonbury where we were welcoming visitors with early 19th century party music and presented a programme
for two violins exploring the musical life of the duke of Wellington. His father, Lord Mornington was a violinist and composer and was central to musical life in Dublin in the second half of 18th century. Wellington himself played the violin until he burnt it in a fit of rage and decided to prove his worth as a soldier instead.
Here's the programme
Here's the programme
A short programme of music for and about actresses, courtesans, milkmaids and the Blue Stocking Society of the 18th century.
In the eighteenth century the music room, with it's views onto the rose bushes and dairy beyond, was where the lady of the house would entertain her guests. It is now peopled by beauties and celebrities such as Kitty Fisher, Mrs Jordan, Emma Hart and Mrs Musters. Kitty Fisher had a popular tune named after her, Mrs Jordan wrote her own. Saraband weave together the music and stories inspired by the house and these paintings for these short performances.
In the eighteenth century the music room, with it's views onto the rose bushes and dairy beyond, was where the lady of the house would entertain her guests. It is now peopled by beauties and celebrities such as Kitty Fisher, Mrs Jordan, Emma Hart and Mrs Musters. Kitty Fisher had a popular tune named after her, Mrs Jordan wrote her own. Saraband weave together the music and stories inspired by the house and these paintings for these short performances.
starting at 1:30,2:30 & 3:30
Entrance to the house and event is by voluntary donation.
May 12th 2019 in the music room at Kenwood House - Hampstead NW3
May 12th 2019 in the music room at Kenwood House - Hampstead NW3
Painted Ladies
Painted Ladies
A short programme for two violins exploring the musical life of the duke of Wellington. His father, Lord Mornington was a violinist and composer and was central to musical life in Dublin in the second half of 18th century.
1:30 & 3pm - free with entrance to the house.
A short programme for two violins exploring the musical life of the duke of Wellington. His father, Lord Mornington was a violinist and composer and was central to musical life in Dublin in the second half of 18th century.
1:30 & 3pm - free with entrance to the house.
Sunday May 19th at Apsley House, no 1 Piccadilly
Sunday May 19th at Apsley House, no 1 Piccadilly
Some extra tittle tattle:
Kitty Fisher hits the tabloids after revealing her undergarments
(or lack of) after a fall from her horse in St James's Park.
Some extra tittle tattle:
Kitty Fisher hits the tabloids after revealing her undergarments
(or lack of) after a fall from her horse in St James's Park.
A couple of the beautiful and unusual instruments that we bring to Kenwood House.
A couple of the beautiful and unusual instruments that we bring to Kenwood House.
