Harpsichordist Avi Stein to Direct HANDEL'S LONDON for Tafelmusik in September

Tafelmusik launches its 2022/23 season of live concerts with Handel's London, a program inspired by the lively metropolis where musical influences intersect. Guest directed by Grammy Award-winning harpsichordist Avi Stein, Handel's London takes place on Sept 23, 2022 at 8pm and Sept 24, 2022 at 2pm at Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul's Centre. These performances will be dedicated to the late Allen Whear, Tafelmusik's Associate Principal Cellist from 2000 to 2022. Tickets and complete program information are available at tafelmusik.org.

Picture a vibrant city humming with creative spirit, attracting artists who exchange diverse ideas and perspectives. Though it sounds like present day New York or Toronto, this is 18th-century London-the inspiration for Tafelmusik's opening concert of the season. Handel's London channels the cosmopolitan energy of baroque London, a city ripe with opportunities for cross-pollination.

A magnet for artists and composers, London drew musical influencers from all over Europe, including Handel (from Germany via Italy), Kusser (from Hungary via Germany and France), Geminiani (from Italy), and Hellendaal (from the Netherlands). The program includes four Grand Concertos, the English take on the Italian concerto grosso, and the perfect vehicle for celebrating this colourful intersection of styles.

London natives were not immune to the city's cosmopolitan trends. Henry Purcell never left his hometown, but imbued his music with the French and Italian influences he heard around him. Purcell in turn inspired Allen Whear, who based his 2006 composition Short Story on the Chaconne from Fairy Queen, reaching across the centuries from one vibrant city to another.

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