‘Spectacles’ were popular in France in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. They brought together poetry, drama, music, dance, processions, costumes, scenic effects created by machinery, and fireworks. This programme celebrates the legacy and influence of French composers and performers during the period, combining pieces which could have been heard in the theatre, court and chamber. Sumptuous music by Rameau, Couperin, Purcell and Elisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre will be complemented by visual histrionics from Richmond School students. An evening to remember!

Compagnia d’Istrumenti is an exciting period-instrument ensemble based in the North of England. The group was founded in 2005, when its members came together at York University through their research into performance practice.

The ensemble was formed with the aim of exploring the rich repertory of Baroque music for various combinations of recorder, strings and continuo, from the early sonatas by 17thcentury composers such as Dario Castello, who was Capo di Compagnia d’Istrumenti at St Mark’s in Venice, to the high- Baroque music of Telemann.

The group has performed in leading festivals, including the Beverley and East Riding Early Music Festival. Its performance in the 2006 York Early Music Festival was recorded by BBC Radio 3 and broadcast on the Early Music Show, on which the group subsequently performed live in 2007.