Brook Street Band

The Brook Street Band - Rachel Harris and Farran Scott (violins), Tatty Theo (cello), Carolyn Gibley (harpsichord) and Nicki Kennedy (soprano) - is named after the street in London's Mayfair where Handel lived. Since its formation in 1996, the Brook Street Band has established itself as one of the country's foremost interpreters of Handel's music. 

'...a stylish adventurous programme distinguished by this vivacious group's infectious relish in its work.' (The Observer)

The Brook Street Band has performed and taught extensively at prestigious British and European Festivals, and regular UK concert venues include Wigmore Hall, St. John's Smith Square and The Maltings, Snape. The Band regularly broadcasts for the BBC.

The Brook Street Band has released eight CDs, all receiving high critical acclaim; the Band's debut disc "Handel Oxford Water Music" was selected as Gramophone Magazine Editor's Choice, as was its "JS Bach Trio Sonatas".

Their concert, in which they will both play and talk about the music, will focus on Margarita Durastanti, an Italian singer, who had a long professional association with Handel, who brought her to London to sing in his Italian operas. 

In this concert, which falls on Handel's birthday, they present: 

An exploration in words and music of the life of Margarita Durastanti, one of Handel's singers: 

Music by Handel:

• O Qualis de coelo sonus, HWV239
• Trio Sonata Op. 2 No. 2 (g minor)
• Armida Abandonata, HWV105
• Cara Speme (from Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV17)
• Trio Sonata Op. 5 No.4 (G Major)
• Crudel Tiranno Amor, HWV97 

For more information about the Brook Street Band visit  www.brookstreetband.co.uk.