• 'A big, generous vision, producing an exhilaration out of all proportion to the means'
  • Robert Thicknesse reveiwing 'Love after the Storm'- Opera Now magazine 2024 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
  • Saraband is an ensemble that expands from just two violins to a larger group including:
  • Sarah Bealby-Wright - violin
  • Henrieta 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 have ventured into the world of staged chamber opera in collaboration with director Guido Martin-Brandis with our shows exploring the rich music of early 18th century France. Our second show, 'Love after the Storm' was presented at several festivals in 2025 starring our fantastic team of singers: Hilary Cronin, Emily Gray, Samue;l Boden and Élodie Fonnard.
We are very grateful to the Continuo Foundation for supporting us in bringing six free concerts to beautiful 18th century music rooms in Hampstead and Kew. These short concerts are accessible to all and an added treat to your walks in Kew Gardens and Hampstead Heath. You can find details of early music concerts all over the UK on Continuo Connect
Coming soon

painted ladies

Sunday June 28 at 2pm & 3:15pmin the Music Room at Kenwood House NW3
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. Free entrance, limited seating Generously Supported by the Continuo foundation

Music at Kew Palace

Saturday 18th July at 12pm & 2:30pm
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 Generousy Supported by ​​ ​​ The Continuo Foundation

18th Century Chamber Organ Sings Again

Sunday 19th July at 1:30pm & 3pm at Kenwood House NW3
An intimate concert in the music room. We are joined by Timothy Roberts who will play this beautiful organ that has lain silent for a decade. A program of music that would have been played when this organ was built at the end of the 18th century by Worgon, JC Bach, Mozart and more. tickets £25 from English Heritage

Gainsborough and his musical pals

Sunday 17th September at 1:30 & 3pm at Kenwood House NW3
A new programme in the music room featuring the organ and music by Gainsborough's friends and contemporaries. 'I’m sick of Portraits and wish very much to take my viol-da-gam and walk off to some sweet village, where I can paint landskips and enjoy the fag end of life in quietness and ease.' tickets £25 from English heritage

18th century chamber organ in the music room

Sunday 27th September at 2pm & 3:15pm at Kenwood House NW3
A 1/2 hour programme to show off the chamber organ. Music that would have been played at the end of the 18th century when this organ and this music room were built. free/donation to the house. generously supported by the continuo foundation

Love after the Storm - French baroque cantatas

Wednesday October 7th at The Military Hall, Sofia Bulgaria